Another chaotic week in the Manchester United soap opera culminates in a trip to old rivals Chelsea, who are also licking their wounds after a sobering defeat last week.
Match News and Current Form
Chelsea missed the chance to return to the Premier League top four after they were upset by London rivals Tottenham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. The manner of the Blues’ performance and identity of their conquerors perhaps place some pressure on boss Xabi Alonso, who has overseen just two victories in their last six Premier League outings (D1, L3). Only once since 2015/16 have they picked up fewer than their current haul of 13 points at this stage, so they can ill-afford a first set of successive home league defeats since a run of four that ended in May and ominously included a loss in last season’s corresponding fixture!
A 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last week looked to have brought about the end of Michael Carrick’s Manchester United tenure, but after a period of indecision, the board have kept Carrick in post for at least this trip. It’s no wonder speculation about his future is rampant with United winless in eight across all competitions (D3, L5), while their one and only league victory this term came back in August (D4, L3). Just one point separates them from the relegation zone, yet while the Red Devils are yet to win on the road this term (D3, L3), they’ve lost just one of their last eight league trips to London (W3, D4).
Head-to-Head History
United have won the last two H2Hs, with their 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in April affording them the chance to win back-to-back Premier League away matches against Chelsea for just the second time, and the first since 1995.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Chelsea have conceded a league-high eight set-piece goals this season.
Chelsea have conceded a joint league-high ten goals after half-time this term.
United are one of two sides yet to win a Premier League game this season after scoring first (D3).
Just one of United’s last seven competitive away matches produced over 7.5 corners.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Morgan Rogers netted twice in his last home game against United, while all four of his Chelsea goals came before half-time, three of which arrived inside the opening ten minutes. Against no opponent has United’s Matheus Cunha scored more goals than Chelsea (5), with his decisive strike in last season’s corresponding fixture bringing up a career-high fifth H2H win against the Blues.
Chelsea are without João Pedro due to injury while Maxence Lacroix is also doubtful. United have doubts over Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Backing United seems inconceivable at the moment, but the hosts’ shaky defence makes a bet on both teams scoring a confident pick.
Author: Ryan Fisher