Manchester United will be coming into the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Chelsea feeling confident of progressing into the semifinals. They come into the match after having seen off Sunderland in the league, while their opposition suffered a 2-1 defeat against Southampton. Due to the very less recovery time between the two matches, both managers are expected to make significant changes to the starting line-up. Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez did not use most of his high profile players like Eden Hazard and Juan Mata from the start at Southampton.
There are expected to play a big role against United, while Fernando Torres could be rested in favour of Demba Ba. United will consider themselves extremely lucky to still be in this competition after having lost a two-goal advantage at Old Trafford. Chelsea almost scored the third and winning goal in the final few min of the match after staging a great comeback in the second half. United would have lost the encounter a been for the excellent save from David de Gea.
As a result of the home advantage, Chelsea are the favourites amongst many bookmakers to progress into the semifinals. They are rated at 6/4 amongst several popular bookmakers. The odds of this game going into extra time are at 5/2.
“Monday is a big game against a very good side but we showed in Old Trafford we could do it, and we will try to. United are top of the table and we were better than them in the first game. We can compete. When you play two games in three days it is not easy, and we are doing well for the situation we have. United have a very strong squad. To play two games a week for four months is not easy to keep the team at the same level the whole time,” said Benitez.