Chelsea – Manchester United

Join us for tonight's showdown between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/1029/javierhernandezceleb20121028_275x155.jpg"><br>Javier Hernandez was the difference the last time the sides played

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1208321/chelsea,-manchester-united-stars-out-of-firing-line?cc=5739" target="_blank">Expect the two teams to be slightly different from the last time they played</a>

We have some team news for you...

Chelsea are the home team, so we shall start with them: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand, Romeu, Mikel, Moses, Mata, Piazon, Sturridge

So, <b>both</b> stars at the centre of the Mark Clattenburg allegations, Juan Mata and John Obi Mikel, start for Chelsea.

Meanwhile there are ten changes for Man United...

Man United team: Lindegaard, Rafael, Keane, Wooton, Buttner, Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Hernandez, Welbeck

There is a starting spot for Javier Hernandez, the scorer of that controversial offside winner at the weekend.

Chelsea have some experience on their bench, should things go awry tonight.

<b>Chelsea bench:</b>Hilario, Ferreira, Ramires, Oscar, Hazard, Marin, Saville

Manchester United's bench has a more youthful look, however.

<b>Man United bench:</b> Johnstone, Vermijl, Powell, Lingard, Tunnicliffe, Macheda, Brady

As an aside, the man in the middle tonight is Lee Mason. Hopefully the post-match analysis will focus less on the referee than at the weekend!

We're less than 15 minutes from kick-off now. The players are in the middle of their warm-up on the Stamford Bridge pitch on a dry night.

Plenty of gloves on show from the United lads, Giggsy, Hernandez...

Chelsea have encouraged their fans to come in fancy dress as a celebration of Halloween - there is a grim reaper doing the rounds, complete with scythe!

The teams are assembled in the tunnel, led by captains Petr Cech and Ryan Giggs, and we're nearly ready to go.

Chelsea kick us off. Here we go!

It's a pretty even start with both sides contesting possession and the crowd in full voice...

Mata plays a very nice ball across the pitch to Bertrand on the touchline who slips as he tries to keep it in.

Early chance for Chelsea as a cross from the right is nearly met by Piazon but it is too high.

Luiz wins the ball from Anderson in the Chelsea half and strides forward before unleashing a shot high and wide from outside the area to loud cheers.

A sloppy ball by Fletcher nearly plays Sturridge in on goal but the danger is quickly averted.

Chelsea have enjoyed much the better opening so far, with United seemingly happy to soak up the pressure for now, seven minutes in.

Sturridge is given another opportunity as a delicious ball from the right from Moses finds him in space in the box but he slips and the chance is gone as quickly as it came!

Freekick to United as Welbeck is fouled by Mikel near the half-way line.

United take the kick quickly and continue to knock the ball around looking for an opening.

Nani skill plays in Rafael for a cross from the byline but Luiz gets the ball to safety.

Man United on top these last few minutes.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Romeu goes into the book after dragging down Buttner near the halfway line.

Another freekick to United, slightly further on, as they continue to threaten. A shot could come from this with Nani standing over it menacingly.

Nani's effort is on target, low and direct, but straight at Cech, who gathers easily.

Moses fouls Welbeck as he looks to break into the Chelsea area and cross, the United attacker defending deep there!

Down the other end now, Welbeck aims a low shot from just outside the area, but again Cech gathers easily.

It has been a pacy first quarter of an hour, evenly contested, but little in the way of action, unlike on Sunday.

A lovely flick by Sturridge nearly plays Moses in but as he jinks and tries to beat the defender he beats himself and falls over.

A cross from the right is only half cleared by United, breaking to Romeu on the edge of the box who slashes his shot wide.

United have another freekick after Nani is felled, again it could be a shooting opportunity with Buttner and Giggs also over the ball this time.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Giggs gives United the lead at Stamford Bridge

Cech's short goal kick is straight to Romeu who is hustled off the ball allowing Giggs to shoot in from close range.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Mikel is booked for a late challenge on Welbeck.

United are pouring forward but they're finding themselves outnumbered in the Chelsea half.

Moses, a constant threat down the right wins a freekick for Chelsea.

Mata swings the ball in but it is headed away and cleared, danger averted.

As we creep towards the half hour mark United have had far more sight of goal than the home side, and Fergie will no doubt be the happier of the two managers.

Chelsea attack again but there is no way through the United rearguard of Wootton and Keane.

<b>Penalty to Chelsea after Moses is fouled by Buttner</b>

David Luiz to take it!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Luiz makes it 1-1

The Brazilian sprints up and powers the ball to the goalkeeper's right, Lindegaard gets a hand to it but to no avail!

Following that goal this game is being fiercely contested with both teams not willing to give an inch.

Nani attempts a mazy run into the Chelsea half but is crowded out and the home side break.

Mata's lofted ball into the box is cleared and Chelsea are left to attempt another patient build-up.

United are knocking the ball about at great pace just inside the Chelsea half leaving their opponents chasing shadows.

An ambitious attempt from outside the area by Welbeck is easily saved by Cech.

Some great play by United breaks down on the edge of the area as Anderson plays it to Nani but the return ball is cut out by the defence.

Moses has switched wings, and now on the left, he finds room and crosses but the ball finds no one free in the box.

Buttner's hesitation in clearing sees him lose out to Moses on the right wing but Chelsea can't fashion a proper chance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Hernandez gives United the lead minutes before the break!

David Luiz loses the ball on his way out of defence allowing Anderson to play the Mexican striker through on goal and he makes no mistake!

That's Hernandez's fifth goal of the season, and his second against Chelsea in two games.

Mata and Moses combine, before Mata's right wing cross is cleared and United break but Hernandez's cross from the left is cut out by Luiz.

Two added minutes.

Chelsea earn a corner as Mikel's tame shot is diverted behind.

Sturridge handles the ball as he attempts to control it and is penalised.

<b>Half-time United lead 2-1 thanks to goals from Giggs and Hernandez. Chelsea hit back through a Luiz penalty.</b>

Notably, in the stands tonight Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is joined by former Blues striker Andriy Shevchenko!

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/1391?cc=5739" target="_blank">Little bit of half-time reading for you - Gabriele Marcotti has his say on recent ref blunders. Well worth a read.</a>

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/1395?cc=5739" target="_blank">And here is Miguel Delaney's take on why Didier Drogba is a Chelsea legend</a>

Javier Hernandez has now scored six goals against Chelsea in nine appearances.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Chelsea: Mikel off for Ramires while Powell is on for United, replacing Buttner.

That means a tactical switch for United. Rafael goes to left back, and Fletcher to right back. Powell replaces Fletcher in the middle.

And we're back underway...

Lindegaard's long clearance upfield sees Powell given a sight of goal, but Cech turns it round for a corner.

From the corner there is no danger and Chelsea come away.

Welbeck and Nani get into each other way on the edge of the box, Chelsea break and Mata finds Sturridge who is about to get a shot off before being tackled.

From the Chelsea corner Sturridge tries to flick the ball in with his back to goal but it is too optimistic and it doesn't come off!

United's frantic passing around the Chelsea box ends when Nani wanders offside but they are holding some good posession so far in the second-half

Mata's left-wing cross is dipping dangerously towards goal forcing Lindegaard to tip it over.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> From the corner Cahill equalises for Chelsea.

Mata swings it in and Cahill powers an easy header home from point blank range.

Moses, still a threat from the right, drills a powerful cross across the face of goal but no one is there.

Eden Hazard is shirting up ahead of his introduction as a substitute for Chelsea.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Hazard is on for Piazon as Chelsea look to step it up.

Bertrand is released down the left but his low cross is confidently gathered by Lindegaard.

Ramires finds Azpilicueta on the right but his cross is headed away and United attack.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Nani puts the visitors back into the lead. 3-2 to United.

Anderson, with his third assist of the game, plays a one-two with Nani, allowing the Portuguese to break into the area before chipping delightfully over the advancing body of Cech.

I may be a little optimistic here, but could we be seeing a 12-goal thriller to match last night's mayhem at the Madejski Stadium? We have five goals so far...

Anderson's shot is blocked before Hernandez scoops the ball over with the goal gaping. This is frantic now!

Chelsea, for all their attempts, are struggling to find a way through United's organised defence. When Mata lofts a ball from left-to-right to Azpilicueta the right-back hits his shot over the bar.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Wootton brings down Sturridge on the half-way line, forcing the striker to lose a boot in the process.

United are pressing Chelsea, giving them no room to work in but Mata finds Sturridge whose shot forces a corner.

Moses' header is directed well but spins over from close range. Should have done better there, Victor!

After labouring down the right, Bertrand breaks down the left for Chelsea but Ramires' shot is dragged wide and United are let off the hook.

Moses, on the left again, passes to Mata who crosses for Azpilicueta whose header at the back post is over.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Oscar comes on for Chelsea, replacing Romeu as the hosts up the ante.

20 minutes remaining, Mata, Moses, Oscar and Hazard all on the pitch for Chelsea now.

Massive penalty shout for Chelsea denied as Mata's cross strikes Keane's flailing arm. Lee Mason says NO!

Bertrand crosses from the left after good work from Moses. Fletcher is having a torrid time at right back.

Moses is found in the box by Bertrand but his hard low shot is stopped well, and held, by Lindegaard. Great chance.

Rafael has had a nice easy half while Chelsea have really tried to target Fletcher at right back in the second-half.

The game is still being played at a high tempo as we approach the final ten minutes, in the pouring rain. End-to-end stuff.

Sturridge's misplaced pass sees another Chelsea attack come to nothing. He has not had the best of games.

United happy to play keep ball and try to nullify the threat of Chelsea's various attacking talents.

A ball through to Welbeck is overhit and Cech gathers with ease.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Anderson is heading off, looking very tired, to be replaced by youngster Ryan Tunnicliffe

Hazard is upended on the edge of the box and it is a Chelsea freekick in a promising position.

Mata stands over it.

The Spaniard aims for the top right hand corner and isn't far off. Unlucky.

Ramires finds Sturridge whose shot is straight at Lindegaard, he was straining to get his shot away though.

United are defending in numbers, trying to see the game out, but Oscar's snap shot forces Lindegaard into an impressive parried save.

Hazard is looking for another freekick on the edge of the box but the referee is not interested. Play on.

Chelsea corner after good work from Sturridge.

Cahill's shot is over and he takes a kick as he gets the effort away, but he is up and running, albeit slightly sheepishly.

Mata's shot is blocked as United try to get all their men behind the ball. Not long left.

Chelsea corner to be taken by Mata but it is headed away acrobatically.

Three minutes to be added. Can United hold on as Chelsea throw everyone forward.

The United fans are in fine voice as they anticipate another victory at Stamford Bridge.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Luiz booked.

Nani is crowded out as he attempts to create a chance. Into the final minute of the three added.

Penalty to Chelsea as Wootton sends Ramires flying with a clumsy challenge. Drama!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Hazard scores, he coolly rolls it down the middle as Lindegaard dives to his left.

Full Time at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea 3-3 Man United. Extra time to follow!

We are set for another 30 minutes here, Chelsea have made all three subs, while United have one throw of the dice remaining.

The two captains, Giggs and Cech are in deep conversation with Lee Mason as we prepare for extra time.

Chelsea get us back underway through Sturridge and Mata.

United have lost the lead three times, is the psychological edge going to lie with the home side?

Hazard gets hold of the ball early and is hassled by Keane in the United defence, to the Belgian's displeasure.

Moses shot blocked by Fletcher on the edge of the box.

Oscar's ball finds Sturridge in the box, Lindegaard rushes out and commits himself but Sturridge can't beat him as the goalkeeper backtracks. Chance wasted.

Rafael breaks down the left, United's first chance in extra time, but his shot is straight at Cech.

United are readying Macheda to come on. Their final sub.

Chelsea are camped in the United half but they are surrounded by defenders and can't create the chance they want.

Oscar's long searching ball is cut out by the head of Keane as Sturridge looks on. United come away with the ball.

Powell lays it on to Hernandez but he can't get his shot away. Blocked.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Sturridge makes it 4-3 to Chelsea

A defensive mistake by Wootton, he heads it straight into the path of Sturridge, who gratefully seizes the opportunity, taking it round Lindegaard and tapping into an empty net.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Fight! A scuffle breaks out on the touchline, between Oscar and Nani after they become entangled, which is broken up by the ref. Both are booked and the crisis is averted. Well handled ref.

As Sturridge attempts a tricky turn he is dispossessed by the no-nonsense defending of Keane but the attack is short-lived.

Chelsea are in the ascendancy, and United are on the back foot.

Cahill flashes a header just wide of goal from an Oscar freekick.

Azpilicueta handles Nani well as the winger tries to turn him on the left.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Keane is booked as he clumsily drags Sturridge as he goes through on goal. Let off.

Luiz steps up and hits his shot centrally which strikes the bar and deflects to safety. United get away with it.

Half-time of extra-time. Chelsea lead 4-3.

The players are in huddles on the pitch, Giggs in conversation with Fergie. Chelsea's players talking to Di Matteo.

United get us back underway. 15 minutes to play.

Giggs swings a freekick into the box but Cahill gets it away.

Chelsea are outnumbered in attack but good work by Moses gives Sturridge the opportunity to get a shot away, it is just over and United remain in the game.

Sturridge again sees an opportunity go begging, his shot flying over the bar.

United corner and they're throwing men forward in search of an equaliser but it doesn't come and Chelsea clear the ball.

A cross from the right is met by the boot of Tunnicliffe but he can't keep it down and volleys over.

Moses has a chance to settle it, after Sturridge's through ball, but his shot is well saved by Lindegaard's trailing leg.

Chelsea are knocking it around the edge of the United box for fun at times, well at least until Hazard miscontrols his pass and the ball rolls out of play!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Ramires goes into the book for a challenge on Powell.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ramires scores, it is 5-3, and surely all over now.

Hazard breaks from the edge of his own box, runs the length of the pitch before slipping the ball through two defenders and into the path of Ramires who rounds Lindegaard and taps in.

Chelsea still want another goal, Moses and Sturridge are terrorising the United defence.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Giggs booked for a late challenge on Moses.

<b>Penalty to United after Hernandez is dragged down by Azpilicueta</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Giggs sends Cech the wrong way. 5-4. Ridiculous!

Two minutes added time.

United are peppering the Chelsea box with long balls but getting nowhere.

Chelsea break and Mata takes advantage of the numerical advantage to shoot and hit the post.

<b>But that is it. Full Time. Chelsea 5-4 Man United. What a thriller.</b>

After going behind three times Chelsea struck back to earn extra time thanks to Eden Hazard's last-minute penalty.

Daniel Sturridge and Ramires looked to have won it for the hosts, but Ryan Giggs penalty, the third of the game, made Chelsea sweat for the win.

With Liverpool losing to Swansea tonight and Norwich beating Tottenham, Chelsea will feel they have a great chance of going all the way in the Capital One Cup. Don't forget Man City are already out.

That's it from us, another exhausting night of thrills, spills, goals and action is at an end.