Chelsea vs Manchester United Match Preview and Prediction

By John


 Two of the Premier League's most iconic clubs collide at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Chelsea and Manchester United accounting for 18 of the 30 Premier League titles on offer since the competition's inception in 1992. Both are now embarking on journeys under new managers, with Blues boss Graham Potter unbeaten in his first seven outings since switching allegiances from Brighton (W5, D2). Having conceded just twice since Thomas Tuchel was axed, Chelsea have a water-tight defence to thank for that up-turn in form.


Potter said his side "gave it everything" in their goalless draw with Brentford in midweek, but after such endeavours, Chelsea get just two days rest before turning out again. This time they'll be at home and Potter will hope that may inject some energy into his squad's tired legs given Chelsea haven't lost at Stamford Bridge since April (W6, D4). Despite that, the last time they won a H2H on home soil was in November 2017, with Potter the fourth man to take the Chelsea hot seat since then.


A resurgent Man Utd look primed to capitalise on any tiredness within the Chelsea camp after putting in their "best team performance so far" under Erik ten Hag's leadership to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, also on Wednesday. Since losing his first two games in charge, the Dutchman has overseen a run of just one defeat from their last eight league games (W6, D1), and United could overtake their hosts with victory here and move into the top four in the process.


Confidence should be high of doing so as this is a fixture the Red Devils have performed well in of late, losing just one of the last 11 H2H meetings in all competitions (W4, D6). Travelling away from Old Trafford hasn't proved to be a problem either, as United have won five of their last six road trips, with the only blemish on that record a 6-3 defeat to defending champions and local rivals Manchester City.


Key battle: Returning from the wilderness, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been integral in his side's resurgence, making 12 saves in his last two games, but he's conceded nine goals in four winless personal H2Hs against Man Utd. Looking to breach his defences, United's in-form Marcus Rashford has five career goals against Chelsea, only scoring more against Leicester City and Liverpool.

Hot stat: Despite their recent H2H woes, Chelsea have beaten Man Utd 18 times in the PL- no side has managed that more often in the competition's history.

Fottennis Prediction: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 1




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