Man Utd vs Chelsea: Whose Brutal Five-Game Gauntlet Will Decide Their Premier League Fate?
Following disappointing displays from Manchester United and Chelsea in Gameweek 26, just a single point divides these two teams in their quest for fourth position.
Chelsea began proceedings at Stamford Bridge and raced to an impressive 2–0 advantage against Leeds United courtesy of strikes from João Pedro and Cole Palmer. However, things quickly deteriorated, and the Blues ultimately had to settle for a disappointing 2–2 stalemate when the match concluded.
Man Utd also had to accept a draw on Tuesday evening following an uninspiring display at the London Stadium. West Ham United were mere moments from securing a 1–0 triumph before Benjamin Šeško emerged as the savior from the substitutes' bench, netting a crucial equalizer for his team in the 96th minute.
These outcomes ensured neither side gained significant ground in the competition for fourth spot—and qualification for next season's Champions League. The Red Devils maintain their fourth-place position, holding just a one-point lead over Chelsea.
This close contest could dramatically shift, however, during the upcoming five weeks considering the Premier League matches scheduled for both teams.
Man Utd and Chelsea's Next Five Premier League Fixtures
Man Utd and Chelsea's Next Five Premier League Fixtures
Man Utd (4th, 45 Points) | Chelsea (5th, 44 Points) |
|---|---|
Everton (A) – Feb. 23 | Burnley (H) – Feb. 21 |
Crystal Palace (H) – Mar. 1 | Chelsea (A) – Mar. 1 |
Newcastle (A) – Mar. 4 | Aston Villa (A) – Mar. 4 |
Aston Villa (H) – Mar. 15 | Newcastle (H) – Mar. 14 |
Bournemouth (A) – Mar. 20 | Everton (A) – Mar. 21 |
Man Utd have already navigated their toughest sequence of matches in February, yet still encounter several challenges leading up to the March international pause. The Red Devils' next assignment involves traveling to the Hill Dickinson Stadium seeking their first victory over Everton since December 2024.
A struggling Crystal Palace squad then visits Old Trafford before Carrick's team confronts Newcastle away just three days afterward. Man Utd should feel optimistic against both opponents having already defeated them during the 2025–26 campaign.
The Red Devils' biggest test arrives against third-positioned Aston Villa. The positive aspect for the 20-time English champions is that Unai Emery's squad must encounter Chelsea immediately before traveling to Old Trafford.
Bournemouth represents the final opposition on Man Utd's fixture list before the international break begins. The teams drew in an eight-goal spectacular back in December, though it should be noted the Cherries have significantly improved since two months ago.
In contrast to Man Utd's fixture list, Chelsea encounter a considerably more challenging period over the next five weeks. The Blues aim to return to winning form at the cost of relegation-threatened Burnley before facing consecutive away matches against league-topping Arsenal and then third-placed Aston Villa.
Chelsea's journey to Villa Park occurs just three days following their encounter with the Gunners at the Emirates, creating a demanding schedule against any two teams, particularly two of the division's finest. Rosenior must extract maximum effort from his players to achieve positive outcomes from these difficult encounters.
The Blues then enjoy some relief against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. The Magpies may have secured only one victory in their previous four league contests, but they understand how to extract results from the Club World Cup winners; Eddie Howe's side earned a 2–2 draw in the earlier meeting back in December.
Completing Chelsea's next five Premier League encounters is a meeting with Everton away from home. The west London club remains undefeated in their last four matches against the Toffees, a run they hope to maintain to conclude March.
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Amanda Langell serves as a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer and editor. A native New Yorker, her initial sporting passions included the Yankees, Rangers and Broadway productions before Real Madrid captured her heart. Without her brother's fascination with Cristiano Ronaldo, she would never have experienced countless magical Champions League evenings 3,600 miles from the Bernabéu. When not immersed in Spanish and European football, she enjoys traveling, reading or losing her voice at musical performances.