It’s the first meeting between the two sides since 2018 and here we preview the this afternoon's game

How to watch and kick-off time

We will have live coverage of the game live and for free on the 5th Stand app and Chelsea website. Kick-off is at 12 noon, with a report on the app and website following full-time.

Our form

Back-to-back wins in Kingston place the Blues at the top of the table prior to kick-off and a win today will provide Myers’ men with the early Christmas present of being first at the turn of the year. A super second-half showing against Tottenham on Monday night with goals from Myles Peart-Harris (two) and Marcel Lewis completed another memorable PL2 comeback as we overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 in the London derby.

A look at United

Sixth ahead of today's action with 15 points, United have won three of their last five PL2 games. Big wins over Brighton, Tottenham and most recently Southampton have Neil Wood’s team in good form. Last time out the points in the Manchester derby were shared as United were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man City.

Thierno Ballo

Thierno Ballo has 12 Academy appearances to his name thus far this term and with a solo goal and four assists he feels there is still more to add to his game after agreeing a new Chelsea deal to keep him at the club until at least June 2022.

On extending his Chelsea stay he said: ‘I’m very happy to sign a new deal and continue my career with this club, it’s my pleasure being here and it is like a second home for me now, everything is good.

‘I want to improve a lot, win trophies, be successful and consistent with the Under-23s and hopefully get selected to be involved with the first team some more over the next couple of years.’

‘I think I started the season well, I played a lot of football. I am happy to get some assists for the team and a goal but I feel like I can do more,’ he admitted. ‘I want to make more assists and score more goals, as much as possible, because that’s the kind of player I am. They are my aims.’

‘It’s important to finish with a win and stay top of the league, we will then get some rest over Christmas and continue what we started. Man United will not make it easy for us today, but we are confident and in good form.’

League standings

In other Academy news tomorrow's Under-18 Premier League London derby against Arsenal has been postponed and a new date will be communicated in due course.