Chelsea and Manchester United go head to head tonight at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League tussle that could have serious consequences on the top four race. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
With just one victory from five Premier League games, Chelsea’s grip on 4th spot is being threatened by a growing number of challenges. Frank Lampard’s side know that a win over Manchester United tonight takes them nine points clear of their visitors. The Blues were hammered 4-0 in the reverse fixture on the opening weekend and will be seeking their first win over United since May 2018.
United will also be desperate to avoid defeat and claim victory to close to within three points of the hosts. The Red Devils have beaten the Blues twice this season already and their record against the top six suggests that they’ll be a tough nut to crack. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side cannot afford to lose this game since defeat would be a massive setback in the race for a top-four finish. Can they shock Stamford Bridge?
Betting preview
Chelsea have lost just one of their last 17 Premier League home games against Manchester United, and are unbeaten in their last six since a 2-3 loss in October 2012. United are unbeaten against Chelsea in five matches. The Blues have the 11th best home record. In 13 games, they’ve won five, drawn three and lost four. You can back a Chelsea Double Chance at odds of 1.25.
Chelsea kept just two clean sheets in their last 13 fixtures while the Red Devils have conceded in ten of their 11 away Premier League matches so far this term. Both teams have found the net in four of the last seven meetings between these two. That being so, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.70.
Four of the last seven meetings between these two rivals have seen at least three goals. Four of Chelsea’s last five matches in all competitions have seen three or more goals scored. Fifteen of Chelsea’s 26 league games have seen Over 2.5 Goals. You can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.85.
Team news
Christian Pulisic is closing in on a return but might not be ready for this match yet. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still sidelined, while Olivier Giroud missed the draw with Leicester because of a thigh problem. Lampard has a big decision to make regarding whether to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga or stick with Willy Caballero.
New signing Odion Ighalo might be involved in this game. Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford aren’t ready to return. Bruno Fernandes should keep his place in the line-up after impressing on debut.
Possible line-ups
Chelsea: Caballero, James, Christensen, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Mount, Willian, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham.
Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Fred, Pereira, Mata, Fernandes, James, Martial.