Prediction: Chelsea vs Manchester United

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/8

Bookmaker: Unibet

With all eyes falling on Stamford Bridge this weekend, Chelsea will welcome Manchester United to west London on Saturday evening.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, putting in a flat display away at west London rivals Brentford earlier in the week, Chelsea will be seeking an immediate response on Saturday evening. Despite knowing that they were lucky to have snatched a 0-0 stalemate against the Bees a few days ago, new boss Graham Potter has seen his side gain plenty of recent plaudits. Appointing the former Brighton manager last month, the Blues are unbeaten in each of their first seven contests under Potter. Laying down a real marker over the past fortnight as they claimed back-to-back victories against Italian champions AC Milan while on Champions League duties, Chelsea have also continued to impress with their rugged performances at the back. Still sat in pole position to claim another top-four finish this season, it should be noted that the former European champions have recorded five clean sheets on the bounce.

Team News

Picking up a knee injury away at AC Milan earlier in the month, England international Reece James will once again miss out here. Likewise, underdoing surgery on another injury set-back, N’golo Kante is facing four months on the sidelines.

Both having to settle for a spot on the bench in midweek, the attacking duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling are expected to make their returns on Saturday evening.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, despite facing what looked like a real test earlier in the weekend, Manchester United put on a stellar display at Old Trafford. Eventually picking up a 2-0 victory against Tottenham and handing Spurs just their second Premier League defeat, Erik ten Hag should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Managing to edge their way past Omonoia while on Europa League duties over the past fortnight, the former Ajax boss will be desperate for his side to lay down a marker here. Despite marking their return from September’s international break with a worrying 6-3 loss away at bitter rivals and defending champions Manchester City, United will be boosted by an eye-catching record in west London. Including snatching a point in their back-to-back Premier League trips to Stamford Bridge, it should be highlighted that Saturday’s guests are unbeaten in each of their previous six meetings against Chelsea in the capital – a run that stems back to November 2017.

Team News

Manchester United have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of their matchday squad on Saturday evening. Marcus Rashford should lead their attack here.

Likewise, ten Hag’s will also be without the likes of Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka when they make the trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on April 28th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
• In fact, Chelsea and Manchester United have played out a stalemate in each of their previous four showdowns.
• The Red Devils are unbeaten in each of their last six trips to Stamford Bridge, a run that stems all the way back to November 2017.
• Chelsea have recorded a clean sheet in each of their previous five matchups across all formats.
• The Blues have seen six of their last seven home fixtures finish with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

In a showdown between two Premier League giants on Saturday evening, we could be in for a low-scoring battle at Stamford Bridge. While Chelsea might have had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Brentford a few days ago, the Blues have continued to shine with their recent displays at the back. However, watching Manchester United pick up an eye-catching 2-0 victory at home against Spurs in midweek, the Red Devils will be desperate to spring a major upset in west London. Unbeaten in each of their previous six trips to Stamford Bridge, it should be highlighted that the two sides have a habit of producing somewhat cagey affairs. With their past four meetings seeing under 2.5 goals by the final whistle, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/8

Bookmaker: Unibet