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As it happenedended

Chelsea vs Manchester United - as it happened: N'Golo Kante strike sees Blues through to FA Cup semis

Re-live all the FA Cup action from Stamford Bridge

Samuel Lovett
Monday 13 March 2017 20:39 GMT
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N'Golo Kante scored the only goal of the game
N'Golo Kante scored the only goal of the game (Getty)

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It’s clash of the titans as Chelsea and Manchester United go head-to-head in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Follow all tonight's action below as both sides bid to book their spot in the last four of the competition.

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When is it?

Kick-off is 7.45pm on Monday, 13 March, at Stamford Bridge.

Where can I watch it?

BBC One will be broadcasting the game. Coverage starts at 7.30pm.

It’s a big game for…

Marcus Rashford. With Manchester United continuing to juggle the demands of Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup football, there’s every chance the young England star could feature against Chelsea. Whether he makes an appearance off the bench or starts for Mourinho, Rashford could have the chance to prove his worth once again. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic out through suspension, United need someone to step up to the big occasion. Can Rashford be that man?

Can Rashford fill Ibrahimovic's shows? (Getty)
Can Rashford fill Ibrahimovic's shows? (Getty)

Best stat…

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with Manchester United in all competitions (W6 D5), last losing to them 3-2 in October 2012.

Player to watch…

Diego Costa. With three goals from his last three games, Chelsea’s Costa is a man enjoying another upturn in form. Having gone four games without a single goal to his name throughout February, the Spaniard is once again firing on all cylinders. Conte has hinted he would field a strong side against United so expect the forward to be in the mix for Monday night’s game.

United will need to keep an eye on the Spaniard (AFP/
United will need to keep an eye on the Spaniard (AFP/ (Getty)

Past three meetings…

Chelsea 4 Manchester United 0, Premier League, October 2016

Chelsea 1 Manchester United 1, Premier League, February 2016

Manchester United 0 Chelsea 0, Premier League, December 2015

Form guide…

Chelsea: WWWDWD

Manchester United: DDWWWW

Odds…

Chelsea to win: 17/20

Manchester United to win: 37/10

Draw: 5/2

So what has Conte had to say?

"In October, before the game [won 4-0 by Chelsea], I was sure of facing a great team," he said on Friday. "It's the same now. Manchester United have, together with [Manchester] City, the best squad in the league.

"We have a good identity. We are showing good football, but for sure it will be a really tough game against a good team.

"I hope to be favourites, but to show this on the pitch, not only in the words. The facts are on the pitch. We must talk during the game on the pitch, not before. I prefer to focus on the game, and my players to speak with facts."

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:37

Interesting stat...

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with Manchester United in all competitions (W6 D5), last losing to them 3-2 in October 2012.

United certainly don't have history on their side.

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:41

Right, here we go. The players are on the pitch following a bizarre laser show at the Bridge. That's a first...

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:43

1 min: And that's kick-off! We're under way!

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:46

1 min: A bright start for United with the visitors charging menacingly down the right flank to earn a corner. It's whipped in and it's Rojo who get there first... but he struggles to get on top of the delivery as his effort bounces out for a goal-kick.

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:48

2 min: Chelsea free-kick on the halfway line after Costa is brought down by Rojo.

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:49

5 min: Pogba asserts himself in the middle against Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, pouncing on a week Matic pass but struggles to bring the ball under control as David Luiz steps in to make amends for his team-mate's transgression.

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:52

7 min: With an abundance of defenders in their team, United are maintaining a high pressing line during these opening exchanges and, so far, are successfully denying the Blues little time on the ball. Conte's men look suffocated. Could Mourinho's tactics work tonight?

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:54

Our man Jack Pitt-Brooke offers his insight...

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:55

10 min: Victor Moses cuts out an in-field pass from the right, 15 or so yards out from the halfway line, before launching the ball forward in search of Hazard. The Belgian breaks cover but there's for too much on the pass over the top and De Gea claims with ease.

Samuel Lovett13 March 2017 19:57

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