Premier League: Big Hitters Go Head-to-head in Differing Circumstances

Manchester United vs Chelsea

For a match which, for a number of seasons, used to be the definitive Premier League clash, the 2021/22 version is little more than an afterthought at the top end of the table.

Realistically, Manchester United are not going to make the top four – a position their interim manager Ralf Rangnick acknowledges – while Chelsea would have to wobble to miss out on a top four finish which is surely unlikely, even with one eye on next month’s FA Cup Final.

The fact this a rare top flight game on Thursday night almost adds to the lack of allure this term.

Yet, with genuine stars on both sides, I am still expecting Premier League highlights.

There is rarely a Manchester United-Chelsea game without them.

Talking Points

Team news wise, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Fred and Luke Shaw remain missing for the hosts, while Chelsea will be without long-term absentees Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi, with Mateo Kovacic expected to absent with an ankle injury.

After securing a lousy four points from a possible 15 in April, including defeats in three of the last four, United are closer to dropping out of the European places altogether – something which actually could benefit them in their rebuilding next season.

Certainly, with Rangnick’s side now sixth in the table, six points behind Arsenal having played a game more, a Champions League berth is unlikely.

Fifth or sixth position means qualification for the Europa League next term, with the side in seventh spot awarded a berth in the Europa Conference – a completely unnecessary competition for the third tier sides and barely worthy of being acknowledged as a major trophy, according to this SBOTOP writer.

The Red Devils can at least take a slice of confidence from their domestic home form as they have strung together a seven-game Premier League unbeaten run at Old Trafford – following a pattern of winning one and then drawing one on home soil. Not since the days of Louis Van Gaal in 2015 have they suffered a trio of consecutive defeats in the top flight.

Chelsea, meanwhile, could open up an eight-point gap to fourth-placed Arsenal should they win. That would certainly be a healthy buffer before fixtures against Leeds United, Everton, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford as the campaign draws to a close.

There is no doubt that off-field distractions have impacted on some performances in recent months but they remain unbeaten away from home in their last nine – it takes a good side to achieve that.

Presumably something has to give on Thursday evening.

History

Earlier in the season the teams played out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge when Jadon Sancho and Jorginho, from the penalty spot, traded second half goals.

Both meetings between these sides finished goalless last season.

In 2019/20, they met four times with United winning three of those meetings.

The Red Devils enjoyed a 2-0 success at Stamford Bridge and beat them at Old Trafford when Chelsea were the better side for an hour but ended up on the receiving end of a 4-0 thrashing.

Marcus Rashford scored twice in that game and also netted both, including a brilliant winner, at Stamford Bridge as United went onto knock Chelsea out of the League Cup.

The Londoners gained revenge later that season by seeing off United 3-1 in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Overall, United have triumphed 81 times against the west Londoners who have enjoyed success on 55 occasions. The other 54 matches have been draws.

Betting Tip

Given United’s shoddy form of late, perhaps it is no surprise the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds favour the visitors.

Chelsea can be baked 1X2 @ 2.23 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.23, to win at Old Trafford.

The hosts are an attractive 1X2 @ 3.20 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.33.

If there is to be a fourth successive draw then the odds are 1X2 @ 3.25, whereas a repeat of the 1-1 draw in November is on offer with Correct Score @ 5.80.

These are often tight affairs but goalless draws, apart from last season (!) are fairly rare, and that is reflected in a range of bets, including Over 2.75 goals @ 2.09, Over 3.00 goals @ 2.40 and Total Goal 4-6 @ 3.30.

I was leaning towards a draw but I am going to plump for a United win – in many ways this is a more important match for them – with a *** prediction of Asian Handicap Man Utd 0.00 @ 2.33.

 

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