Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: Dachbet
With all eyes falling on Stamford Bridge this weekend, Chelsea will welcome historic rivals Manchester United to west London.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have enjoyed an immediate boost following Liam Rosenior’s shock arrival back in January, the Blues have come crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion. Last seen putting in another nightmare display as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming at home against Manchester City, the former Strasbourg boss now finds the pressure on his shoulders at a boiling point. Heading into March’s international break with another woeful 3-0 defeat away at Everton, Chelsea have remarkably lost five of their previous six appearances across all competitions and they have rightfully come under a huge amount of public scrutiny. Likewise, despite punching their FA Cup semi-final ticket earlier in the month as they cruised past League One strugglers Port Vale thanks to a routine 7-0 romp, Rosenior’s struggling squad have secured just a sole Premier League win since February 7th.
Chelsea Team News
Despite being at the heart of a public fallout with the Chelsea hierarchy following his comments made over the international break, Enzo Fernandez should return to Rosenior’s squad here. However, all still dealing with respective injury issues, the Blues will once again be without the English trio of Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and skipper Reece James.
While Cole Palmer might be enduring his most frustrating spell in west London, the ex-Manchester City starlet will keep his spot from the start. Reestablishing himself as Rosenior’s number one choice, former Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will start between the sticks.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, marking their respective return from March’s international break with a downbeat display at Old Trafford on Monday night, Manchester United are seeking an immediate response here. Eventually falling to a shock 2-1 loss at the hands of relegation scrappers and historic foes Leeds, the Red Devils missed out on a golden opportunity to widen their bronze medal advantage. Despite enjoying a sensational start following Michael Carrick’s temporary return to the Old Trafford dugout back in January, United have shown some recent inconstancies. Heading into March’s fortnight interval with a frantic 2-2 stalemate away at Bournemouth, Saturday’s guests have now registered just a sole win from any of their previous four Premier League appearances and they have also shown some concerning defensive issues. In fact, Carrick’s squad have failed to muster a clean sheet since the end of February.
Manchester United Team News
Shown a controversial second-half red card against Leeds on Monday night, Lisandro Martinez will miss out through suspension here. However, serving his own respective Premier League suspension at Old Trafford, Manchester United will welcome back England international Harry Maguire.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench earlier in the week, former Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo should be handed a full recall. Remarkably registering 25 direct goal contributions in his 29 Premier League appearances this season (eight goals, 17 assists), skipper Bruno Fernandes will play a leading role in west London.
Chelsea vs Manchester United Key Factors to Consider
- When Chelsea and Manchester United met for their reverse Premier League showdown back on September 20th, the Red Devils claimed a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
- Carrick’s side have now registered just a single win from any of their previous four Premier League appearances.
- Chelsea have lost five of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- The Blues have secured just a sole win from any of their last six straight showdowns at Stamford Bridge across all fronts.
- Four of Manchester United’s last five Premier League appearances have seen a red card produced.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling on Stamford Bridge this weekend, neutrals will be hoping for a thriller from west London on Saturday night. Although United might have secured a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Chelsea to Old Trafford for their reverse Premier League showdown back in September, we have a battle between two leaky defences. Watching the Blues remarkably lose five of their previous six appearances across all competitions, Saturday’s hosts have also claimed just a single clean sheet against top-flight opposition since Rosenior’s appointment.
Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: Dachbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
