Manchester United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Thursday night.
The Red Devils still have an outside chance of a top four finish this season. If they are to achieve that though, a win here is pretty much essential.
Ralf Rangnick’s men are in a pretty poor run of form heading into this match. The hosts have won just one of their last six and only two of their last ten.
In contrast, Chelsea arrive in Manchester boasting a run of four wins and one defeat in their last five. That sole defeat was a surprising 4-2 loss to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge earlier in the month.
Thomas Tuchel’s men have the second best away record in the division heading into this clash. Their tally on the road is only bettered by league leaders Manchester City.
It’s United’s home form that’s seen them stay in contention for a Champions League place. Despite a disappointing season, the Red Devils have lost just two of their last 15 home games inside 90 minutes.
Chelsea look set to finish comfortably within the top four come the end of this season. Despite that, they are partial to the odd poor performance.
Their 4-1 defeat to Brentford at the start of the month certainly raised a few eyebrows. With pretty much nothing to play for in the league, will Tuchel’s men take their foot off the gas?
Even if they do, United still need to take advantage. One of their main issues has been their best players not performing. They’ll need that to change here.
Below, we’ll preview this Premier League fixture and provide our predictions, the team news, our recommended bets and more…
Manchester United vs Chelsea Predictions
Although these two are not fighting for the title like in years gone by, this fixture still carries some weight. There is still a rivalry there and that gives this game a bit of added spice.
It seems that no matter where these clubs are in respect of the league, this game ends up being tight. For United, there is a lot on the line here and they’ll need their fans to roar them on.
Despite many citing Cristiano Ronaldo as being one of the main problems at United, he’s actually been their biggest positive. The Portuguese forward is the league’s third highest goalscorer with 16 to his name.
The talismanic striker also has four goals in his last three games, so it’s fair to say he’s in form. He’ll relish the chance to get on the scoresheet again here.
For Chelsea, they’ll likely have one eye on the FA Cup Final in a couple of weeks’ time. That shouldn’t really affect the team that Tuchel puts out here, but the team’s mentality could come into question.
Top four is all but secured for the Blues this season. Three points here would pretty much solidify a third placed finish, but a defeat wouldn’t be disastrous.
Tuchel also needs to consider the fact that his side also play away at Everton on Sunday. That’s not a lot of recovery time, but he would surely prioritise this fixture over Sunday’s.
With United pretty much having to go for it in this game, we could be in for a great match. Equally, the pressure could get the hosts and they could come up short.
Read on for our Manchester United vs Chelsea predictions and best bets.
Manchester United vs Chelsea Head to Head
In the last five meetings between these clubs, each have won one, with the other three ending all square. That leaves things all square in that time frame. Is something going to give here?
United’s win came in the Premier League back in February 2020. Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire got the goals in that 2-0 victory.
Chelsea got revenge a few months later in the FA Cup. Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount sent the Blues on their way. A Harry Maguire own goal sealed a 3-1 win for the west London club.
In the 2020/21 season, the clubs met twice. Both games were pretty uneventful and ended in 0-0 draws. We’re hoping we don’t get a repeat of those results here.
The most recent meeting came earlier in this season in November 2021. Jadon Sancho fired United into the lead, before Jorginho equalised 20 minutes later. The game ended all square at 1-1.
Manchester United Team News – L L W L D
Ralf Rangnick has some injury absences to deal with heading into this game. Despite that, David De Gea is expected to start the game in goal for the hosts.
Rafael Varane’s return from injury didn’t exactly go to plan against Arsenal last week. Harry Maguire may be brought back into the side to partner Victor Lindelof in defence.
Alex Telles could be asked to deputise at left back in the absence of Luke Shaw. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to start the game at right back.
Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic are expected to anchor the midfield for the home side. That will allow Bruno Fernandes to occupy the number ten role behind the strikers.
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the attacking line. Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho are expected to start on either wing for the hosts.
Chelsea Team News – W L W W W
Thomas Tuchel will want to win this one and solidify Chelsea’s place in the top four. Our Manchester United vs Chelsea predictions expect Edouard Mendy to start the game in goal for the visitors.
With some absences in defence, Tuchel could go with Thiago Silva, Trevor Chalobah and Cesar Azpilicueta in a back three.
Marcos Alonso will take up the left wing back role. Reece James missed last week’s win over West Ham, but could return here to start at right wing back.
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will be asked to marshall the centre of midfield for the visitors. Mason Mount will be given the task of providing some creativity in the middle.
With Romelu Lukaku continuing to struggle, he’s unlikely to feature against his old club. Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are likely to start up front together.
Manchester United vs Chelsea Betting Tips
Given their poor run of form recently, the hosts find themselves the outsiders here. The traders have Rangnick’s men priced at 21/10 in our Manchester United vs Chelsea match bets.
The last three meetings between these clubs have all ended in draws. If you think this one will end all square, you can back the draw at 12/5.
Chelsea’s away form is pretty impressive this season. That’s probably why they’re installed as favourites to win this one at 13/10.
On form, a Chelsea win looks most likely. United seem to up their game in this particular fixture though, and being at home will help. This one could end all square.
