EPL Betting Preview: Chelsea vs. Manchester United – Sunday, November 3, 2024
Under the guidance of interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manchester United prepare to host long-time rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford in Sunday’s marquee Premier League matchup.
Both teams had contrasting fortunes in midweek EFL Cup action: Manchester United triumphed over Leicester City in a thrilling 5-2 victory at Old Trafford, while Chelsea saw their Cup journey end in a 2-0 loss at the hands of Newcastle United.
Recent encounters between Manchester United and Chelsea have delivered entertaining results, moving away from the low-scoring draws of 2020-2022. United secured a decisive 4-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford in May 2023, but the Blues responded with a 4-3 thriller at Stamford Bridge last season.
The Blues are aiming to clinch a second consecutive H2H victory over Manchester United for the first time since March 2011. Furthermore, they’re aiming to claim their first league win at Old Trafford since May 2013 – the final days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious reign.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, could win three such H2Hs in a row for the first time since January 1957.
Manchester United Betting Preview (+165 at EveryGame)
Van Nistelrooy’s Red Devils look to build on their League Cup momentum while Manchester United’s board finalizes contract details with Portuguese specialist Ruben Amorim.
Van Nistelrooy will aim to replicate the midweek offensive firepower displayed against Leicester City. That five-goal show began with a spectacular strike from Casemiro, who also found the net a second time, alongside goals from Bruno Fernandes (2) and Alejandro Garnacho.
Despite his immediate impact as interim manager, Van Nistelrooy inherits a team struggling for consistency. United’s recent 2-1 Premier League defeat to West Ham was the final blow for former manager Erik ten Hag, whose side left chance after chance unconverted. That loss dropped United to 14th in the table, with just eight goals scored across their opening nine league games – the second worst attacking record after Crystal Palace and Southampton (both with six goals).
There’s little change in the injury department of the Red Devils. Summer arrival Leny Yoro as well as Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Antony and England prodigy Kobbie Mainoo are all sidelined. Moreover, Christian Eriksen’s late withdrawal against Leicester adds to Van Nistelrooy’s selection concerns, though his return status is yet to be confirmed.
The recent goal surge against the Foxes provides optimism for United’s attacking turnaround, which they’ll look to sustain in Sunday’s high-stakes showdown.
With Wednesday’s victory as a confidence boost, Van Nistelrooy may largely stick to his successful starting XI, though fresh legs from Noussair Mazraoui and Rasmus Hojlund could be introduced. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Andre Onana is expected to return in place of Altay Bayindir.
Chelsea Betting Preview (+145 at EveryGame)
Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s offense has been dynamic, especially with standout performances from Cole Palmer, who scored the decisive goal against Newcastle in their league clash last weekend. However, a full squad rotation in their midweek EFL Cup fixture saw Chelsea’s second-string lineup struggle, as they fell 2-0 to Newcastle, conceding goals to Alexander Isak and through an own goal by Axel Disasi.
Though Chelsea’s League Cup exit may be disappointing for some fans, Maresca’s focus remains on a strong league run and an unexpected Champions League qualification push. Currently in fifth place, the Blues sit just one point behind Arsenal and Aston Villa. Their impressive scoring streak on the road was disrupted only by a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool last month, halting a five-game away winning streak in the league.
Chelsea’s injury list remains light, with only Omari Kellyman ruled out. The young forward’s return date is still uncertain. However, loanee Jadon Sancho is ineligible to face his parent club, so Pedro Neto should continue on the left wing.
Following midweek criticism of Enzo Fernandez’s performance, Romeo Lavia is likely to partner with Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park, while Maresca should reinstate his starting XI for Sunday.
Possible Starting Lineups of Manchester United and Chelsea
- Manchester United: Andre Onana – Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot – Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte – Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho – Rasmus Hojlund. (4-2-3-1)
- Chelsea: Robert Sánchez – Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto – Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo – Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto – Nicolas Jackson. (4-2-3-1)
Spooky Express Betting Prediction
High-Scoring Game on the Cards? While Van Nistelrooy’s influence appears to have sparked life in United’s attack, defensive vulnerabilities remain.
On the other side, Maresca’s first-choice Chelsea lineup is sure to bring more attacking prowess than the rotated squad that struggled at St James’ Park.
Despite their inconsistency over long period of time, Van Nistelrooy can certainly take heart from the fact that United are unbeaten in the last 11 top-flight matches against Chelsea at Old Trafford (W5, D6),
Expect a thrilling, high-scoring clash with both teams eager to claim the upper hand at Old Trafford.