On Saturday, the title hopes of English Premier League leaders Chelsea will be put on the line as they clash with rivals Manchester United. Despite boasting a seven point cushion over second-placed Arsenal, anything but a win could derail their push for the crown and hand the Gunners the advantage.
With only seven games remaining, the tie at Stamford Bridge will see the Blues face one of the league's most in-form side, currently one a six-game winning streak. The Red Devils are also the fourth best attacking team in England, having scored 59 goals in 32 games.
Despite all of this, however, the trip to Chelsea will prove a far more daunting task than the eye meets for Manchester United, and the stats do little to refute this claim.
Jose Mourinho looks to beat Louis Van Gaal when Chelsea take on Man United
Home advantage aside, Jose Mourinho's crew are only second to Manchester City as the highest scoring side in the country, having registered 65 goals so far, this campaign. Furthermore, a look at Chelsea's defensive record will also point out to the fact that none but Southampton can match their back four.
The league leaders have only conceded 26 goals this season, the lowest being the Saints' tally of 22. Now compare this to that of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, who have let in 30, 34 and 32 goals respectively, and a clear picture of Chelsea's superior defense is drawn.
Factor in the home advantage, and the chances of a win for Manchester United further dampens. Chelsea have not lost at Stamford Bridge in the English Premier League in 16 games. Their last defeat at home came back in April in the 2-1 loss to Sunderland.
The Special One has only ever lost once at home in the English Premier League. Getting the better of the Blues at their own ground has been a challenge not many can conquer.
Their defensive unit, second best to Southampton, move into top spot when only home games are taken into consideration. At Stamford Bridge, Mourinho's side have conceded ONLY seven times, an impressive number given the fact that they have played 15 games at their own stadium.
Chelsea's resilient defense has substantially aided their title push
In the attacking department, Chelsea are not the deadliest of teams. The Blues rank bottom among the top four teams for numbers of goals scored in home fixtures. Manchester United lead the pack with 40 goals, Arsenal and Manchester City follow with 37 and 31, respectively. The Blues have recorded only 30.
Nonetheless, Louis Van Gaal's men will come knocking on Chelsea's door this weekend, and the 20-time champions goalscoring form away from Old Trafford should have John Terry and Co. confident off collecting a clean sheet, let alone a victory.
The Red Devils, in 15 away games, have netted a mere 19 times. If only away form was taken into consideration, Manchester United will plummet from third spot to eighth. Not good for a side looking for their first win over Chelsea in seven games, in all competitions.
Manchester United are not a fierce away side (Pic via LiveScore)
A lot is at stake for both sides in Saturday's game. A spot in the Champions League is on the line for the Red Devils, but Chelsea has more ground to claim all three points, given their home advantage and title chase.
The stats will hand Mourinho's men confidence against the Red Devils, and the sight of the English Premier League crown within their grasp will give them the drive to defeat United.
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