Hello and welcome to LIVE text commentary of the Premier League showdown between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Once upon a time in the not too distant past this was a clash between two title rivals, but this term that is clearly not the case as the side 13th in the table hosts fifth. The Red Devils have come under fire for their less than inspiring style of play leading to continual speculation over the future of boss Louis van Gaal. The man being tipped to replace him started the season looking to defend the title with Chelsea, but inner turmoil and terrible results meant Jose Mourinho's second spell at the Bridge came to an inauspicious end. The Blues have improved dramatically since Guus Hiddink took over as short-term coach and will be hoping to heap more pressure on LVG here, while continuing their rise back up the table. United are fifth and need the points to keep within touching distance of fourth spot. Kick off 4pm GMT.

Premier League / Matchday 25

Stamford Bridge / 07.02.2016

Chelsea

Completed

Manchester United

D. Costa(90+1')

J. Lingard(61')

Live

Live Updates

ByPaul Hassall

Updated 07/02/2016 at 18:27 GMT

45+1'

PENALTY APPEAL. Willian with more great play on the right. The cross deflects to Terry who sees his shot from eight yards diverted away at close quarters by what looked like the arm of Blind. The referee waves away the appeals.

45'

One minute added.

44'

Darmian slides a beautiful first-time ball across the six-yard box but Rooney can't make up the ground to convert it at the far post.

43'

Costa leads a Chelsea break but can't wriggle free on the left. The Spain man wants a corner but it ricocheted off him last. Goal kick.

42'

41'

DID YOU KNOW? Chelsea are on the current longest unbeaten run in the Premier League, going without a defeat in eight league matches now (W3 D5 L0). Despite this, they still haven’t recorded back-to-back wins in the league this season.

40'

Fellaini out-muscles Zouma but can't get a clean connection on it and his attempt flashes wide.

39'

Another United corner. Can they make one of these count?

38'

Jesse Lingard rolls a pass into Rooney but sees his run blocked off as he tried to get on the end of the England captain's flick. No free kick given.

37'

PHOTO.

Image credit: AFP

36'

Chelsea suddenly have the momentum and look far more threatening than United did in front of goal.

35'

A famous tennis star in the crowd was impressed by that!

34'

Brilliant change of direction from Willian sees him bamboozle his marker on the right of the area before sizzling a low ball across the six-yard box. Fortunately for United, no-one is on hand to turn it home.

33'

Two chances in a minute for Chelsea after a sluggish opening. This time Oscar exchanges a clever one-two with Azpilicueta on the left of the area before crashing a rising shot wide of the near upright.

32'

CLOSE! A slick Chelsea counter attack sees Oscar slip a slide-rule pass into the right channel for Costa, who surges into the area but drags his low effort just wide of the far post.

31'

STAT: Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Manchester United (W3 D3). In fact, they have lost just once in 13 home matches versus the Red Devils.

30'

One for the purists...

29'

Better from Chelsea. Matic meets an out-swinging corner from the right, but his header is well held by De Gea.

28'

Ex-Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata has been quiet so far. He's gone 12 games without registering a goal or assist, his longest spell without a goal involvement in his Premier League career.

Image credit: PA Sport

27'

Costa fumes at the referee and replays show why. It appears to take a nick off the defender, who also had a hold of the Spain forward's arm. No corner given and United will go again.

26'

Cheers of approval from what had previously been a muted home support. Corner to the home side.... Costa races towards the near post but his flick header flies wide.

123456