Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
The Matchday 37 Premier League showdown between Chelsea and Manchester United will take place on Thursday at Stamford Bridge. Here’s a tip on the outcome of this clash with an attractive odds boost.
Match preview
The London Blues saw their impressive six-match unbeaten run in the Premier League — consisting of four wins and two draws — come to an end last round. Enzo Maresca’s men suffered a 0-2 defeat away to Newcastle. That loss allowed Eddie Howe’s side to climb to third in the table, while Chelsea remained in fifth place.
The pressure is mounting from the chasing pack: Nottingham Forest sit just a single point behind in seventh, and Aston Villa only trail Chelsea on goal difference. At home, Chelsea boast a formidable nine-match unbeaten streak in Premier League action — seven wins and two draws.
Manchester United’s woes continue, with the Red Devils enduring a seven-game winless run in the league, losing five and drawing two. Notably, their last two defeats came against sides with nothing left to play for: first, a 3-4 away loss to Brentford, then a 0-2 home defeat against West Ham.
Of particular concern is their lack of firepower at Old Trafford, failing to score in three consecutive Premier League home fixtures. United are firmly stuck in 16th place and have no chance of climbing higher than 13th, underlining the depth of their current crisis.
Probable lineups
- Chelsea: Robert Sanchez – Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella – Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia – Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson
- Manchester United: Altay Bayindir – Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Amass, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro – Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes – Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo
Match facts & head-to-head
- The first-round meeting ended in a 1-1 draw
- Both teams have scored in each of their last seven encounters
- The "Over 2.5 goals" bet has landed in three of the last four matches between these sides
Prediction
Chelsea are clearly determined to maintain their fortress at home and bounce back after last round’s away slip-up. Unlike their opponents, the Blues still have plenty to play for in the Premier League, as they chase a Champions League spot. Our bet for this match: Chelsea to win with a -1.5 handicap at odds of 2.00.
