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
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- D. Costa(90+1')
- J. Lingard(61')
Live
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Updated 07/02/2016 at 18:27 GMT
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.
25'
24'
A NINTH United corner almost falls for Fellaini but once more Chelsea hack it away. The hosts are enduring some nervy moments at the back.
23'
The corner count mounts for the visitors.
22'
PHOTO: Martial magic.
21'
True... but not from LVG's point of view!
20'
Gullit stating the obvious...
19'
Once again Chelsea are well organised at the resulting set piece. The hosts move it away but there's no doubt who has the upper hand at the moment. United bossing it.
18'
SAVE! Courtois is forced to fling himself to his left to touch away a rasping drive from Martial after the Frenchman had cut in from the left flank.
16'
15'
Chelsea finally get in behind United and cause the away side some concern, but Matic overruns it as he pulls clear on the right byline, allowing De Gea to race out and avert the danger.
14'
STAT: Manchester United have lost more often to Chelsea than any other opponent in the Premier League era (16 times).
13'
United have got Chelsea completely penned in. The hosts try to move it clear through Costa, but the visitors quickly win it back with Carrick testing Courtois with a low drive from 25 yards.
12'
Stamford Bridge hasn't been a happy hunting ground for United of late. They have won just one PL game here since 2002, but they continue to dominate this afternoon.
11'
The travelling support in strong voice.
10'
United earn another corner on the right. This time they mix it up and work it short, but once more a Chelsea head gets to the cross first. The hosts have been stuck in their own half so far.
9'
Elsewhere, bad news for ex-Man Utd defender Gary Neville. His Valencia side are behind to Real Betis.
8'
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson latches onto the half-cleared corner but his shot from distance is straight at Thibaut Courtois.
7'
Another corner to United. Blind curls it towards Carrick but Costa gets there first and karate kicks it away for yet another set piece.
6'
Chelsea comfortably defend the resulting corner. Positive signs for LVG in these opening exchanges. Remember, United put in one of their best displays of the season in their last outing v Stoke.
5'
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson curves a dangerous-looking ball in from the left but Zouma is there to acrobatically head it behind as it threatened to whip across the 'corridor of uncertainty.'