Man Utd v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Chelsea in the English Premier League on Wednesday. The hosts have won six of their last nine league matches but they were outclassed in their last fixture. The Blues have won three of their last four away matches but are winless in ten league matches at Old Trafford.

Man Utd Form

United are not playing well right now. Their last 18 fixtures across three competitions have seen just eight wins. In the Premier League, they’ve won six of their last nine fixtures. Five of those six wins came by a single-goal margin and not many saw convincing displays.

They went to Everton and won 3-0 despite allowing 24 shots and 2.47 xG to the Toffees. That result was followed by drawing 3-3 away to Galatasaray after surrendering a 3-1 lead. On Saturday, Man Utd were thoroughly outclassed in a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. They were outshot 22-8 and the Magpies put up 2.50 xG.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag has seven players unavailable for this match. Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, and Tyrell Malacia are absent in defence. In midfield, there is no Casemiro, Mason Mount, or Christian Eriksen due to injury whilst Jadon Sancho is suspended internally.

Rasmus Hojlund is set to start after Anthony Martial’s quiet outing vs Newcastle. Antony could be recalled with Marcus Rashford struggling for form. It could again be Luke Shaw at centre-back next to Harry Maguire with Diogo Dalot at left-back.

Man Utd Motivation

United are now five points off the top four and they need a response to a poor performance on Saturday.

Ten Hag’s side will play to win this match and won’t see a draw as a good result.

Chelsea Form

The Blues are very inconsistent in terms of results. They went on a run of one loss in eight matches in the league and Carabao Cup with three away league wins in that streak, 2-0 at Fulham, 4-1 at Burnley, and 4-1 at a nine-man Tottenham. There was also a 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal where they led 2-0 and looked in control until a late collapse.

The only defeat in that streak was 2-0 at home to Brentford. After winning at Spurs, they played out a thrilling 4-4 home draw with Man City as they came from behind on three occasions. A poor second half saw a 4-1 loss at Newcastle but just a second home league win in 15 attempts followed on Sunday. Despite playing the entire second half with ten men, Chelsea beat Brighton 3-2.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea are without a large number of injured players Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah, and Wesley Fofana. Malo Gusto and Lesley Ugochukwu are both doubtful. Reece James and Marc Cucurella return from suspensions for this match.

Conor Gallagher misses this match due to a ban so Cole Palmer will start as the number ten with Mykhailo Mudryk keeping his place on the left wing. Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku are nearing a return and have a chance of making the bench in this one.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues are playing well on their travels and will be targeting a win in this match.

Having seen Man Utd’s defensive woes, Chelsea are set to play an attacking game and look to outscore their opponents instead of using a defensive approach.

Key Stats

Man Utd have won 6 of their last 9 EPL matches

Man Utd have drawn just 1 of their last 18 matches

Man Utd are unbeaten in 10 home EPL matches vs Chelsea

Chelsea have won 3 of their last 4 away Premier League fixtures

Chelsea have lost just 2 of their last 10 matches

Verdict

This should be a game with goals. Both defences are leaking plenty of chances of late. Chelsea may see United as there for the taking and have every chance of leaving Manchester with at least a point.

Best Bet: Chelsea win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 1.74
Alternate Bet: Chelsea win at 2.35

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis