Man United vs Chelsea Preview, Forecasts, and Top Wagers Explored
On Sunday, the English Premier League sees Manchester United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford. Given the departure of Erik ten Hag, caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge as the Red Devils aim to continue their impressive unbeaten run at home against the Blues.
Man Utd Form
After parting ways with ten Hag, United struggled with one win in eight matches. The team faced losses against Liverpool and Tottenham, resulting in a 3-0 home loss and a 3-0 defeat, respectively. A late goal secured a 3-3 draw against Porto, followed by a 0-0 stalemate with Aston Villa. An improvement in form led to a 2-1 victory over Brentford, but a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce left United with three points from three Europa League group stage matches. A 2-1 loss at West Ham ended ten Hag's tenure, but midweek offered some confidence with a 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over a second-string Leicester side.
Man Utd Team News
Man Utd will be missing Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro due to injuries. Anthony and Mason Mount have their doubts, and Luke Shaw's return date remains uncertain.
Van Nistelrooy may opt to maintain Lisandro Martinez at left-back and choose between Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof in central defense. Manuel Ugarte and Christian Eriksen battle for a midfield spot, while Josh Zirkzee could be preferred upfront over Rasmus Hojlund.
Man Utd Motivation
The late win midweek has bolstered United's spirits, and the "new manager bounce" could provide an additional boost in this match. With a more attacking style, they aim to rejuvenate their season.
Chelsea Form
Chelsea has been in good shape, with their only defeat in 11 games coming in the midweek Carabao Cup. They produced 4.16 xG in a 4-2 home win over Brighton, although a 1-1 home draw against Nottingham Forest was underwhelming. A 1-1 loss at Liverpool saw them control possession but lack a cutting edge.
Following a 4-1 away win against Panathinaikos and a 2-1 triumph over Newcastle, Chelsea succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle midweek, despite creating 1.97 xG from 17 shots.
Chelsea Team News
Jadon Sancho is ineligible to play against his parent club, and Reece James will undergo fitness checks to determine his availability. If fit, he may start at left-back due to his performance in that role during the previous weekend.
Enzo Fernandez might be benched again in favor of Romeo Lavia, while Pedro Neto is expected to hold his spot on the left wing. Cole Palmer, fresh from not playing midweek, is ready to start.
Chelsea Motivation
Chelsea's squad rotation suggests they are fully prepared for this crucial match. The Blues will strive to secure a first win at Old Trafford in over a decade.
Key Stats
Man Utd have failed to score in 4 of their last 10 matches.Man Utd have won just 2 of their last 9 matches.Man Utd are unbeaten in their last 11 home EPL matches against Chelsea.Chelsea have scored 25 goals in their last 11 matches.Chelsea have won 5 of their last 6 away league matches.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer has scored 7 EPL goals this season.
Verdict
The recent managerial change may bring renewed vigor to United, potentially resulting in a positive outcome. A home win offers the best value here.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals at 1.62Value Bet: Man Utd Win at 2.55Alternative Bet: Man Utd win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 1.80Goalscorer Tip: Cole Palmer to score anytime at 2.45
- After the departure of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United lacked consistency, managing only one win in eight matches, including a 3-0 home loss against Liverpool and a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham.
- Following a 2-1 loss at West Ham, the team showed signs of revival, securing a 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over a second-string Leicester side midweek.
- Ruud van Nistelrooy, the caretaker manager, may opt to maintain Lisandro Martinez at left-back and choose between Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof in central defense for the upcoming match against Chelsea.
- Chelsea, on the other hand, have been in good form, with their only defeat in 11 games coming in the Carabao Cup. however, they lacked a cutting edge in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle midweek.
- Cole Palmer, Chelsea's young striker, has scored 7 EPL goals this season and could be a key player for the Blues in their attempt to secure a first win at Old Trafford in over a decade.
