Manchester United – Chelsea
Tip:
Palmer to be fouled twice
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The second of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s four games in charge of Manchester United is the toughest of them all, as the interim head coach prepares for a clash with the much-improved Chelsea.
Another New Era at Old Trafford
On Friday, it was confirmed that Ruben Amorim would take over as Manchester United’s new head coach during the November international break.
The Portuguese is set to become the sixth permanent boss at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson. Until then, Van Nistelrooy, who oversaw a 5-2 triumph over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, will remain in the dugout.
There is plenty of work to be done. United were perhaps unfortunate to concede a decisive late penalty at West Ham a week ago, but there can be no excuses for sitting 14th in the table a quarter of the way through the campaign.
Time for the Real Chelsea to Stand Up
Chelsea have had some excellent results this season but are yet to make a statement victory. Success at Old Trafford would certainly fall into that category, despite United’s struggles.
The Blues gave a good account of themselves at Liverpool two weeks ago, having more of the ball and a greater amount of shots, but couldn’t generate enough clear chances to earn a point at Anfield. The win over Newcastle seven days later was fully deserved.
Enzo Maresca made 11 changes for the Carabao Cup tie at St James’ Park in midweek, clearly prioritising Sunday’s encounter which could see them climb to third if other results go their way.
Blues’ Decade of Despair at Old Trafford
Chelsea have not won away at Manchester United since 2013 when Juan Mata struck late to secure three points for the Blues against the already-crowned champions.
Mata joined the Red Devils the following January in a £37.1m move and scored for United in their 1-1 draw at home to his former club in 2019. That was match number six of a 10-game unbeaten run against Chelsea at Old Trafford which continues into Sunday’s fixture.
Erik ten Hag managed two home triumphs over the Blues while he was at the helm - a 4-1 success in May 2023, and a 2-1 last season thanks to a Scott McTominay double.
Tip:
Palmer to be fouled twice
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Manchester United have been a particularly difficult opponent for Chelsea over the last seven years, but on current form, the Blues will feel they can complete a calendar year double over the Red Devils.
Enzo Maresca’s team have shown far more firepower in 2024-25, with only Manchester City scoring more than the West London club in the league.
Manchester United vs. Chelsea
1
Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in April was their first league success against the Red Devils since November 2017.
2
These two sides have contested three FA Cup matches at the new Wembley - two finals and a semi-final - all won by Chelsea.
3
Both teams have conceded 11 goals in the Premier League this term, but the Blues have outscored United 19 to eight.
Our Betting Tip for Today
There is an air of unpredictability around Manchester United who are in between head coaches. It is best to focus on Chelsea for the best bet, which is for Cole Palmer to draw two or more fouls.
Problematic Palmer
There is a strong case to be made that Palmer is the best footballer in the Premier League at the moment. He contributes with goals regardless of whether he plays wide or in central attacking midfield, but the seemingly permanent switch to the number 10 position has paid dividends thus far.
Palmer’s fouls drawn numbers over his last six Chelsea appearances are 3, 3, 3, 1, 5, 4. It is a significant increase on his figures from before then, but the 22-year-old is becoming more accustomed to his role under the new manager, and over the past two months has become an expert at winning free-kicks in promising areas.
Manchester United can be hit and miss in terms of fouls committed, which is perhaps why we are being offered even money on 2+ fouls drawn by Palmer. But with a new head coach set to arrive at Old Trafford, the players will not want to be passive in their defensive work.
The Red Devils are odds-on to give away over 14.5 free-kicks, which they haven’t done since the 3-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. The market is anticipating that they will be more aggressive than usual and understandably so. Expect them to stop Palmer getting any time on the ball, and bring him down if necessary.
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