English Premier League: Chelsea vs. Manchester United Preview, Odds, Prediction

Chelsea and Manchester United clash on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge. My dear colleague and friend Kurt already covered the entire English Premier League gameweek 13, but we wanted to have one article dedicated to this super derby.  The two sides are coming into this event following big wins during midweek’s UEFA Champions League duties. The Blues rolled over Juventus, smashing the Italian powerhouse, while United took down Villarreal on the road. This was an extremely important victory for the Red Devils, who are in one hell of a tough situation. With an interim manager and unsorted future, United is at a crossroads that might affect its entire campaign. That is why we await a very rough and intense battle in London.

Preview

Chelsea (-160) beat Juventus 4-0, completely erasing the minimal loss from Turin. It was one pretty routine victory for the hosts, who looked as if they play with 60% of their power. Despite not having a few starters in the lineup, they looked amazingly confident.

After defeating Leicester on the road, 0-3, this comes a massive boost of morale. Also, the Blues’ defense once again demonstrated its power and its fantastic resilience. Chelsea kept seven clean sheets in the previous 10 games.

Tuchel’s unit is without a defeat for 10 events and is arguably in the best shape of all the English teams. They scored 17 goals at home in the last five games, including all the competitions.

Manchester United (+500) lost Solskajer and immediately won all three points. To make it even more significant, the Red Devils defeated Villarreal on the road, 0-2, after a very tough battle that saw them outlasting Unai Emery and his boys. It is a great boost for Michael Carrick, but we do need to remind you that Solskjaer started his stint successfully before becoming one of the biggest busts in United’s history.

The Red Devils’ have only three wins in the last 10 matches, with two draws and five defeats. The majority of the games ended with high scoring, that is, seven of these ten saw over 2.5 goals, while six saw both teams netting.

United’s defense has been quite the problem this year. The inconsistency and constant sub-par performances are probably the main reason why the Red Devils find themselves in such a poor position. We need to stress out Harry Maguire’s sub-standard form, with one of the most expensive players ever looking like an amateur on several occassions.

Latest News

There are certain rumors that we might see Lukaku back on the field. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is questionable, while Benjamin Chilwell, Mateo Kovacic and Ngolo Kante won’t play.

On the other side, Shaw, Cavani, Greenwood, Pogba and Varan are all out due to health reasons, while Maguire needs to sit out because of a suspension.

Head to Head Games

United has a better overall record against the Blues, posting 81 wins, opposite to Chelsea’s 55, while 53 ended with a draw.

Both games in 2020/21 season ended without goals, 0-0.

Prediction

This will also be one defensive-minded contest because Carrick won’t be too eager to open and attack. Like his predecessor, United’s interim manager will wait for counter-attacks, previously forming a wall on his part of the field. Under 2.5 goals is our suggestion, with the current odds -120.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals -120