Prediction: Manchester United vs Chelsea

Verdict: Chelsea double chance

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what is a heavyweight Premier League showdown on Wednesday night, Manchester United will welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have hoped that they had turned a crucial corner on either side of November’s international break, Erik ten Hag’s side have come crashing back down to earth over the past week. Needing a Champions League miracle in their bid to punch a knockout stage ticket after eventually having to settle for a 3-3 stalemate away at Galatasaray last week, the former Ajax boss finds mounting pressure on his shoulders. Last seen over the weekend putting in another worrying performance as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Newcastle, the Reds appear a mile off claiming another top-four finish. Winning just a trio of their previous eight appearances across all formats, ten Hag’s side will know the importance of claiming a much-needed response on Wednesday night.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list, ten Hag will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia. Still at the heart of a public feud with the ex-Ajax boss, England international Jadon Sancho will not feature in midweek.

While summer recruit Rasmus Hojlund might still be waiting to open his Premier League account since arriving from Atalanta, the Danish striker should be handed a full recall here. Likewise, the struggling Marcus Rashford could also be taken out of the firing line at Old Trafford.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, while Chelsea might have marked their return from November’s international break with a 4-1 drumming away at Newcastle, Mauricio Pochettino’s side certainly claimed an immediate response over the weekend. Putting in an action-packed performance against Brighton as they claimed a 3-2 victory against Brighton, the former Tottenham boss has seen his side break into the top-half of the Premier League standings. Although the Blues might need a real miracle in their bid to punch a Champions League return, Chelsea could be smelling the chance to make a heavyweight statement in west London. Losing just a pair of their previous 10 straight domestic appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to September 24th – Pochettino’s men will be relishing a trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Team News

In what could be a major boost for Pochettino’s squad on Wednesday night, summer recruit Christopher Nkunku could finally make his Chelsea debut at Old Trafford. Likewise, after serving a one-match suspension against Brighton over the weekend, defender Marc Cucurella is available to make a full return here.

However, still dealing with a stacked injury list in west London, Chelsea will once again be without the likes of Ben Chilwell, Trevor Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto. England international Reece James will return to right-back this week.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United and Chelsea last met back on May 25th, the Red Devils picked up a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford.
• However, ten Hag’s side have won just a trio of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
• Including a 3-2 victory against Brighton over the weekend, Chelsea have lost just a pair of their last 10 domestic appearances across all formats.
• Chelsea’s last three appearances away from Stamford Bridge have produced 15 goals at both ends of the pitch.
• Manchester United have recorded just a pair of clean sheets at Old Trafford since the end of September.

Conclusion

Claiming an immediate boost over the weekend as they secured an action-packed 3-2 victory against Brighton, some in Chelsea’s camp will be smelling the chance to spring a heavyweight upset here. Losing just a pair of their previous 10 appearances across all formats, Pochettino’s squad should be relishing a trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday night. With Manchester United in the midst of another public crisis and pressure once again mounting on ten Hag’s shoulders, we are backing an away double chance in midweek.

Verdict: Chelsea double chance

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet