Premier League: Chelsea host Man United at Stamford Bridge as both sides seek vital three points.
Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with both sides looking to respond after disappointing results. The Blues have endured a difficult week, while United arrive in London under pressure following a heavy home defeat to Bournemouth.
There are reasons to expect an entertaining contest. Manchester United have struggled to keep opponents out, while Chelsea have also shown defensive vulnerabilities. The player markets offer some interesting angles, too, with Cole Palmer and Bruno Fernandes both capable of testing the opposition goalkeepers.
Chelsea vs Man Utd Bet Builder Tip
Our Bet Builder Tip for Chelsea vs Manchester United consists of the following legs:
- Yes: Both Teams To Score
- Moisés Caicedo: To Be Shown A Card
- Cole Palmer Over 2.5: Shots
- Bruno Fernandes Over 2.5: Shots
Best odds of 14/1 at bet365 at the time of writing.
Both Teams To Score: Yes
Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks, making both teams to score an appealing opening selection for this Bet Builder.
Manchester United have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last eight games, a worrying run for a side that has struggled to find consistency. Their recent matches have regularly offered opponents opportunities in the final third, and Chelsea will be looking to take advantage at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have also had problems at the back, failing to record a clean sheet in five of their last six matches. That gives United reason to believe they can find the net, particularly with Bruno Fernandes and their other attacking players capable of creating chances.
The head-to-head record at Stamford Bridge provides further encouragement. Both teams have scored in three of the last five meetings between these sides at the ground.
Moisés Caicedo To Be Shown A Card
Our second selection backs Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo to receive a booking against Manchester United. Caicedo's previous meetings with United provide an interesting indication of the physical nature of this fixture. His foul counts in those matches read 1, 1, 2, 3, 0 and 3. He has also been booked against the Red Devils, showing that this is an opponent against whom he can be drawn into disciplinary trouble.
His foul numbers in four starts this season are 0, 1, 3 and 1. While those figures do not point to a consistently high foul count, he is gradually building up his minutes and could become more involved as the campaign progresses. There is also a useful disciplinary trend from last season. Caicedo was booked three times in his final five games, suggesting that he can attract the attention of referees when matches become more competitive.
Cole Palmer Over 2.5 Shots
The Chelsea forward has cleared this line in five of his last eight appearances, while his shot totals across the nine matches in the supplied sample read 2, 6, 0, 2, 3, 3, 4, 8 and 5.
That is an encouraging record, with Palmer reaching at least three attempts in five of those nine games. His home numbers are particularly relevant ahead of Saturday's fixture. In five appearances at Stamford Bridge this season, his shot totals have been 2, 0, 3, 4 and 8.
Palmer has therefore registered at least three shots in three of those five home matches. His ability to find pockets of space around the penalty area and take responsibility in the final third makes him a strong candidate to test United's goalkeeper.
Bruno Fernandes Over 2.5 Shots
Our final selection backs Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes to register at least three shots at Stamford Bridge. Fernandes has cleared the 2.5-shot line in five of his last seven appearances, while his shot totals across the 10 matches in the supplied sample are 1, 3, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 4, 8 and 3.
He has reached at least three attempts in seven of those 10 matches, demonstrating his willingness to shoot whenever opportunities arise. His away record is particularly encouraging. Fernandes' shot totals in six away appearances this season read 1, 3, 3, 3, 4 and 3. He has therefore registered at least three shots in five of those six matches.
The Portuguese midfielder is often central to United's attacking play, whether creating chances for teammates or taking responsibility himself. He also has the freedom to shoot from outside the penalty area, giving him more routes to reach the required total.
Who is the Favourite to Win in Chelsea vs Man Utd?
According to latest odds, Chelsea are the favourites to win Saturday's match, with Manchester United arriving at Stamford Bridge amid a difficult run of results.
The Blues have the advantage of playing at Stamford Bridge, but their recent defensive performances mean they cannot take anything for granted. United have enough attacking quality to cause problems, particularly if Fernandes returns to the starting line-up.
Chelsea's home advantage and United's poor run make the hosts the more likely winners, although the visitors should have opportunities to get on the scoresheet.
Chelsea vs Man Utd Team News and Predicted Lineup
Chelsea Team News
Cole Palmer is available again after serving his suspension, providing a significant boost to Chelsea's attacking options. Moisés Caicedo and Malo Gusto are also expected to be available after being substituted with minor issues against Liverpool.
However, Chelsea remain without several important players. Reece James and João Pedro are sidelined, while Maxence Lacroix is expected to miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and Jamie Gittens are also unavailable.
Xabi Alonso could make changes following the midweek cup defeat, with Wesley Fofana expected to come into the defence if Lacroix is absent. Palmer is likely to return to the starting XI, where his attacking role will be important to Chelsea's hopes of getting back to winning ways.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Henderson, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.
Manchester United Team News
Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to the starting line-up after being left out against Bournemouth. The United captain has reportedly held talks with manager Michael Carrick, and his availability would be a major boost to the visitors' attacking options.
Kobbie Mainoo has also returned to training and could be in contention, while Lisandro Martínez is another player pushing for a starting role.
United are still expected to be without Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte and Patrick Dorgu. Marcus Rashford's availability is also uncertain after his recent fitness concerns.
Carrick needs a response from his players after the Bournemouth defeat, and Fernandes' return should give United more creativity and attacking threat.
Predicted Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martínez, Dalot; Baleba, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Mount; Cunha.
Chelsea vs Man Utd Score Prediction Tip
Chelsea have the advantage of home support and should be confident of creating chances against a Manchester United side that has failed to keep a clean sheet in eight consecutive matches. However, the visitors have enough attacking quality to trouble a Chelsea defence that has also struggled to shut opponents out. United's recent form is a concern, but Fernandes' expected return could make a difference in the final third.
Palmer's availability is another major boost for the hosts. His ability to create and take shots should give Chelsea a consistent attacking threat, while Caicedo will have an important role in protecting the defence and breaking up United's attacks.
The numbers point towards goals at both ends, with the individual shot selections also offering a route into the Bet Builder. Chelsea look better placed to take the points, but United should be capable of making this a competitive contest.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
