Antonio Conte Has Not Cleared Air With Jose Mourinho Since Last Meeting

One game on Thursday, another on Monday. all this cup chasing does unusual things to the calendar.

It is not since the end of October that United were in a position other than sixth, even despite a 17-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, including nine wins.

Many pundits fancied the Blues, who won the trophy two years earlier and would lift it again in the following season, to complete the job after their performance in Manchester.

United had very little else riding on and a record 12th FA Cup was something to be savoured – but this is not the case under Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 encounters with United in all competitions, but it was United’s own unbeaten run in the league which evoked a handsome little barb at the current FA Cup champions from Chelsea’s digital team.

However, Conte refused to confirm if Terry will start the Stamford Bridge clash.

United are without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is serving the first match of his three-game suspension.

Terry was in Conte’s starting line-up in the three previous rounds and could be given another chance against Manchester United.

De Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he is a sure starter for United in a game of this weight and importance.

Chelsea have been the front-runners in the Premier League and are 10 points clear of their nearest challengers.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte at London Stadium, Stratford, England, March 6.

However, former Arsenal midfielder Merson can only see one result at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

Paul Pogba has had a very “ambiguous” season so far, for want of a better word. The mind games [with Mourinho] don’t bring you the win.

The ex-Chelsea boss criticised current manager Conte for overzealous celebrations in that match, confronting him on the touchline and appearing to tell him he should celebrate passionately “at 1-0, not 4-0”. Extra-time, penalties and the curious prospect of a fourth substitute (should the game progress beyond the 90 minute phase) means that a victor will be decided on the night.