Manchester United's hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four appear over after a poor run of form — and things will not get any easier for Ralf Rangnick's side when Chelsea visit Old Trafford tonight.

Never mind a winter of discontent, it has been a spring of surrender for United following a run of two wins in eight league games, seemingly sinking any lingering hopes of featuring in next season's Champions League. 

Last Saturday's 3-1 loss at Arsenal, a third defeat in four matches, means the Red Devils will head into the clash with the Blues sitting sixth in the standings — six points behind the fourth-placed Gunners, who also boast a game in hand. 

Chelsea's own form has been questionable of late, losing two of their last four in the league, but Sunday's last-gasp 1-0 victory over West Ham appears to have wrapped up third place.

Thomas Tuchel's men sit five points clear of Arsenal in fourth and seven ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham, while they have also played one game fewer than both of those sides. 

Team news 

United head into the match with just 14 senior professionals fit and available for selection, according to interim boss Rangnick, with captain Harry Maguire the latest to be ruled out. 

The England international was an unused substitute against Arsenal and Rangnick has now confirmed he is nursing a knee problem and will join Paul Pogba, Fred, Luke Shaw and Edinson Cavani on the sidelines. 

Jadon Sancho will also miss out due to illness, meaning Rangnick may turn to youngsters such as Hannibal Mejbri and Alejandro Garnacho to bulk up his ranks.

Chelsea look set to welcome Reece James and Antonio Rudiger back into the fold.

The latter has not featured since the FA Cup semi-final victory over Crystal Palace, during which time it has been confirmed he will leave the club when his contract expires this summer. 

The German's impending departure will not stop Tuchel using his compatriot between now and the end of the season, however — particularly as fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen remains an injury concern. 

Match stats and facts

While things have not been going well for United of late, they do have an impressive record against Chelsea on home soil with the Blues without a win at Old Trafford in any competition since 2013. 

But it is not just on the road where Chelsea have struggled against the Red Devils.

They have won just one of the last 10 meetings between the two sides, although it has to be said they have arguably not faced such a weak outfit as this current side during that period. 

Chelsea should be full of confidence given they are on a four-match winning run away from home in the Premier League.

That sequence includes netting six without reply during their most recent fixture on the road at Southampton. 

Draws have been the order of the day in recent meetings between this pair with each of the last three ending all square — a similar outcome at the Theatre of Dreams would arguably suit Chelsea more than United. 

Predictions 

Despite their poor recent record in the fixture, Chelsea have to start this match as favourites given the host's ongoing struggles and growing injury list.

It feels like the end of the season cannot come quickly enough for United, with new boss Erik ten Hag taking over in the summer. 

Chelsea still have an FA Cup final on the horizon and Tuchel will want to have third sewn up well in advance of that Wembley showdown with Liverpool. 

Only Manchester City have collected more away points than Chelsea in the top flight this season, with their tally of 36 coming courtesy of 11 wins, three draws and just two defeats. 

With Rudiger and James set to return to bolster their backline, Chelsea should have a solid platform to build from.

While they are highly unlikely to replicate the six goals they scored against Southampton, a win should be very much the aim for Tuchel's team.