The Premier League is getting tougher by the day as the close of the season nears. Two teams are fighting for the crown, a battle that appears to be decided on the very last day of the campaign, three teams are battling for the number 4 slot in order to be able to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season while a few are fighting it tooth and nail to ensure that they do not go down to the second-tier league. Thursday's night match between Manchester United and Chelsea is the highlight of this week's matches as the Blues who have cemented their authority in position 3 travel for a duel with the Red Devils at Old Trafford. 

Manchester United gets into the match against the backdrop of a 3-1 defeat from Arsenal while Chelsea comes from a hard-earned 1-0 win over West Ham. United however will be aiming to show the world that they have not lost the race for a direct ticket to the Champions League football and it is expected that the appointing of Erik ten Hag as the new club manager will bring in a fleeting optimism that could galvanize the players some of whom will be playing for their future at the club under the new boss.   

The Blues could now open an 8 point gap between themselves and their Premier League followers Arsenal if they manage to get a win at the Old Trafford. Thomas Tuchel's side have fallen short of trophies in this season's campaign after losing out to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final and bowing out of the UCL after being knocked out by LaLiga title designates Real Madrid. Their only hope of lifting a cup is if they win the FA Cup final against Liverpool a match that will not be easy given the enthusiasm that the Reds are currently being driven by to clinch a quadruple. The caretaker manager, Michael Carrick managed to hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw during the first leg of the fixture at Stamford Bridge. That result served to stretch the Blues winless streak against the Red Devils to 8 since a 1-0 victory they enjoyed at home in 2017. Tomorrow's clash has a lot at stake, especially for United side who are still in search of a UCL entry ticket.