Chelsea vs Manchester United
This one is always a tasty affair, two proud clubs with a competitive and passionate approach to life in the league. Yes, one has a history and pedigree which towers over the other (well I’m assuming some might say this…), but that is all put aside come Saturday, writes Ryan Liberty.
It’s the second sort of feature game for United in a couple days, Chelsea come into the game a bit more secure I guess – but either way you won’t want to miss this one!
To Win (90 mins)
Chelsea 19/20
Draw 26/10
Manchester United 11/4
Chelsea
Chelsea is once again showing what a nightmare they can be to play against. They can be expansive at times and ask questions of almost any defence in England and yet at the same time roll up the proverbial sleeves and get to work defensively.
Their last five games have seen them score twelve times and conceded just once! That’s an incredible statistic considering the injury woes they have had in their defensive quarters. Graham Potter is proving himself to be quite an adaptable coach, he’s come into an environment which is incredibly pressurized and continued to be himself. He has a holistic approach and has stuck by it even where it has been questioned.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is scoring goals and looking comfortable at Chelsea. Lest we forget the talent that exists there, and to be completely honest, with a bit of comfort and an experience of positivity I’m not sure why he cannot return to his lethal self.
I think Chelsea need to take advantage of playing at the Bridge. Yes, there will be an expectation to win and take the game to United, and I can imagine that will add its own pressure…but United have been placid on the road and will likely look for something to help get themselves into the game. Chelsea absolutely cannot allow this to become the case.
Manchester United
I don’t think Manchester United win this – I mean don’t get me wrong; I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think they win. The suggestions that United haven’t improved under Erik ten Hag are complete nonsense! They have certainly adapted an approach which might have nods to systems gone by, but with a fresh spin and undertone.
Their press is systematic as opposed to being dependent on one or two players, the attacking starting point is solely reliant on them maintaining possession of the football and whilst United boast spectacular players in almost every position – the team has always been seen to come first (this is supported by the selection of the team whilst the Dutchman has been at the helm).
My only concern about United now is they seemingly struggle to find that aggressive energy on the road. I always think back to the Liverpool game at Old Trafford earlier in the season, the first tackle of that game Martinez absolutely clatters into Mo Salah and gives him some lip afterwards – it set the tone and instantly created a mood.
I haven’t seen that when this team plays away from Old Trafford, and I think it is one of those elements which can be taken for granted so often. Manchester United are certainly on the road to recovery in terms of the football being played on the field – but I’m skeptical as to their ability to boss games where the opposition wants the ball just as much.
Chelsea might be vulnerable in certain areas, the pace of the United attack can certainly disrupt their last line, but I’m not sold on sticking my neck out and having an out and out punt.
Predicted Line-ups:
Chelsea: Kepa; Chilwell, Koulibaly, Silva, Chalobah; Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek; Havertz, Mount, Sterling; Aubameyang.
Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Ronaldo.
Prediction: Chelsea/Draw + BTTS (21/20)
As I’ve said, I cannot side with United here for a win. They just haven’t shown a temperament away from home to kill games off. Chelsea certainly has the team to cause United issues and if they start the game at full tilt, they might catch their guests napping.
