Alex Hilton’s selections for Sunday’s huge clash between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford includes a draw featuring plenty of goalmouth action.
United finally parted ways with their beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag at the start of the week and it looked like a huge weight had been lifted when the Red Devils hammered Leicester City 5-2 in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.
Things didn’t go so well for Chelsea who were dumped out of the competition following a 2-0 loss at Newcastle, but head coach Enzo Maresca named a much-changed side for the trip to the north east and better will be expected from his first-choice side on Sunday.
The Blues started this round of Premier League in fifth following a strong start to the campaign, and they will hope to strengthen their claims for a Champions League return with a victory over United who started the week down in 14th.
Best bets
Draw and both teams to score
16/5
Bruno Fernandes to score anytime
2/1
Nicolas Jackson to have 2+ shots on target
6/4
Van the man for United in coming weeks
Ten Hag managed just three Premier League wins this season before he was sacked and it looks like Sporting manager Ruben Amorim will be the man to replace him in the Old Trafford dugout.
However, the Portuguese gaffer isn’t expected to take up his new role until the next international break later in November, so interim boss Ruud van Nistrelrooy will continue to lead the Red Devils until then.
Van Nistelrooy got the perfect response in the 5-2 win over Leicester where United looked like a different team, albeit against inferior opposition.
Chelsea are a step up in class meetings between these two have been hugely competitive affairs.
Each of the last six match-ups have seen both teams score and over 2.5 goals have been scored in the last three. This fixture hasn’t been good for away sides, though, with an away win not being seen since a United victory at Stamford Bridge in February 2020.
Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign under Maresca but they haven’t beaten any of the sides above them in the standings and they may find a United side with a new lease of life a tough nut to crack.
With that in mind backing the match to finish in a draw with both teams getting on the scoresheet looks the best course of action.
Bruno can land a blow
Bruno Fernandes has cut a forlorn figure for Manchester United this season but the Red Devils skipper looked rejuvenated against Leicester on Wednesday evening.
The Portuguese playmaker bagged two goals in the victory and it may be worth backing him to continue his revival with confidence flowing through his veins once more.
Fernandes is also likely to be on penalty duty for the home side so backing him to get on the scoresheet again could pay off.
Jackson all action for the Blues
Nicolas Jackson has also looked like a revitalised figure with the Chelsea striker bagging six Premier League goals this season following a hit-and-miss 2023/24 campaign.
Jackson looks a huge threat leading the line for the Blues and the 6/4 that he manages two shots on target at Old Trafford looks another decent bet.
The Senegal forward has managed 13 shots on goal this season at a rate of 1.44 per game but he could get plenty of opportunities against a United side who have given up 34 shots on target this season.
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