Prediction: Chelsea to win to nil
Odds: 41/20
Bookmaker:888Sport
Jose Mourinho has another crunch clash to prepare for this weekend as he takes his Manchester United side to face Chelsea.
The Red Devils will be looking to move up the Premier League table at the home of the Portuguese’s former employers. Meanwhile, the Blues will be keen to continue their excellent start to life under Mauricio Sarri and confirm themselves as genuine title challengers.
Chelsea
Currently sitting second in the Premier League table, it is fair to assume that most did not expect for Sarri to have the impact that he has at Stamford Bridge. The Londoners have enjoyed an almost flawless start to the season having claimed six wins and two draws so far. They are one of three teams to currently sit on 20 points at the top of league, with only Manchester City being ahead on goal difference. Their last result was impressive as they swept aside Southampton 3-0 away from home.
Despite that, it is their home form that has been particularly impressive. Sarri’s troops have won three out of their four home games in the league so far this campaign, with their only dropped points coming in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool. Only Manchester City have scored more goals on home soil than Chelsea so far this season so Manchester United have their work cut out if they are to pick up a result.
Team News
The Blues could potentially be boosted by the return of defender Antonio Rudiger. The German picked up a slight groin strain but he could be ready to return to action against Manchester United. However, Ethan Ampadu has suffered a knee injury so is unlikely to appear. The Blues’ player of the season, Eden Hazard, will be aiming to continue his excellent form.
Manchester United
Red Devils’ supporters will hope that they saw green shoots of recovery under Jose Mourinho before the international break. The team had to come from 2-0 down to beat Newcastle United at Old Trafford, with Alexis Sanchez scoring a late winner. The victory over the Magpies broke a run of four games without a victory for United in all competitions, the first time since December. Consequently, the Red Devils now sit eighth in the Premier League table, five points away from fourth-placed Arsenal.
One struggle that Mourinho’s men have had this season is that their defence has been extremely leaky. United have shipped 14 goals this campaign so far in only eight games. That record is only worsened by three teams in the entire top flight; Fulham, Newcastle United and Cardiff City. Tellingly, those three sides are in and around the relegation zone.
Team News
Much like Chelsea, the Red Devils could have the return of a few key personnel to look forward to. Marouane Fellaini, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Ander Herrera could have get back to action. Despite that, Jesse Lingard is still ruled out with a groin injury. He is joined on the sidelines by long-term absentee Marcos Rojo who is yet to see action after suffering a knock. Both however have returned to training.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester United have the better record between the two sides (W77, D49, L54)
- The last clash between the two ended 1-0 to Chelsea in the FA Cup final
- Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in five out of their last seven home games against Manchester United
- Jose Mourinho has only ever won once at Stamford Bridge as a visiting manager
- Manchester United have not won at Stamford Bridge in just under six years
Conclusion
Considering Chelsea’s form at the current time, it seems to be a tough task for them to secure victory at Stamford Bridge. The Blues should easily be able to find their way through United’s leaky defence and with Eden Hazard on top form, he should find the net. All indications point to a Blues victory and it should be to nil.
Prediction: Chelsea to win to nil
Odds: 41/20
Bookmaker:888Sport
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