Chelsea v Man Utd: probable line-ups, prediction and odds
2VS1Predicted score
Manchester UnitedFinal 2 – 0
Probable line-ups
Chelsea4-3-3Man Utd4-2-3-1The match setting
Stamford Bridge hosts a Premier League showdown this Saturday between an under-par Chelsea and a Manchester United side in turmoil.
Both clubs are going through a difficult spell: the Red Devils are on an eight-game winless run in all competitions and six in the league, sitting 16th with only seven points from eight matchdays, their worst start since 1986-87.
Chelsea, although 5th and 11 places above Manchester United, have just suffered two straight defeats against Tottenham and Liverpool, and remain one of the worst defences in the top 10 with 15 goals conceded.
Michael Carrick, the Manchester United manager, has been granted a reprieve after the 3-0 debacle at home to Bournemouth, while Xabi Alonso is trying to turn the Blues around.
For Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes should return after being left out of the starting XI against Bournemouth for purely footballing reasons. Kobbie Mainoo is back in training.
On the other hand, Luke Shaw (reason not given), Benjamin Sesko (shin), Manuel Ugarte (knee) and Patrick Dorgu (thigh) remain unavailable.
Marcus Rashford's absence remains uncertain.
Chelsea have to cope with several confirmed absences: Maxence Lacroix (hamstring) will not play, while Reece James (knee), Joao Pedro (thigh), Emiliano Martinez (jaw) and Jamie Gittens (ankle) are still in the treatment room.
Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto, who went off injured at Anfield, should be available.
Pep Chavarria could return from an unspecified injury, and Cole Palmer has served his one-match suspension following his red card against Tottenham.
The 3 key points
- 1.Manchester United chasing their first away win of the season after six unsuccessful attemptsA seventh attempt, while Chelsea must shore up their leaky defence (15 goals conceded, the worst in the top 10).
- 2.Bruno Fernandes back for the Red Devils after being dropped against BournemouthExpected to bring stability to United's midfield.
- 3.Maxence Lacroix's absence forces Chelsea to field Wesley Fofana at centre-backAfter his controversial role in the League Cup against Liverpool.
The Teacher's verdict
Chelsea are favourites on paper, but the crisis rocking Manchester United must not hide the Blues' defensive flaws, as they concede an average of two goals per game at home. Fernandes's return could steady the Red Devils' midfield, while Cole Palmer, back from suspension, will bring attacking creativity to the Londoners. Despite Chelsea's recent setbacks against Tottenham and Liverpool, Alonso's men have the resources to exploit the weaknesses of a Manchester United side in distress. The stakes for Carrick are huge: another defeat could seal his fate. Chelsea should win, but without dominating outrageously. Score: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United.
Predicted score
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