Manchester United FC vs Chelsea FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs Chelsea FC Match Prediction & Analysis

After finishing third and fourth at the end of last season, Manchester United and Chelsea would have both expected to kick on this season, aiming to close the gap on champions Liverpool.

That hasn’t looked the case in their opening matches of the season, with both sides suffering from mixed form and defensive weaknesses which have hindered their progress. 

Manchester United have lost to Crystal Palace and been thumped by Tottenham, whilst Chelsea have been poor in draws against West Brom and Southampton, conceding three goals on each occasion. 

It’s safe to say that both are more comfortable going forward than defending.

United may just have more confidence going into this one – they thrashed Newcastle 4-1 last weekend, before recording a memorable victory over PSG in the Champions League midweek. Chelsea managed a 0-0 draw against Sevilla.

This will be a close game.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WWLWW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Bounced back well after Spurs defeat

     Are starting to look like the Manchester United of last season

Reasons to be fearful:

     Manager is still unsure of his best team

     Defensive weaknesses could prove costly

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be tempted to play three at the back, as he did in their brilliant midweek win over PSG in the Champions League. 

There was a great balance to the team with McTominay and Fred in midfield and with Rashford and Martial upfront that this will have given him food for thought.

Unfortunately, the last time they played three at the back previously was also against Chelsea, in the FA Cup Semi-Final where they were thoroughly outplayed. Chelsea play three at the back themselves and are usually better exponents of it.

Having said that, there is a confidence now about United, who have rebounded well after the 6-1 Spurs defeat two weeks ago. 

Rashford looks sharp, and Edinson Cavani could make his debut either from the start of off the bench. The manager’s biggest decision could be whether to play the talented but ill-disciplined Pogba, or the more reliable offerings of Fred or McTominay. 

Star Man – Marcus Rashford

Has looked in great form recently – scored for England in the International break, as well as in United’s last two games.

Chelsea FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): DLWDD

Reasons to be cheerful

     Mendy has improved them in goal

     Scoring goals has not been a problem for Chelsea

Reasons to be fearful

     Only one win in last five

     Unsure on their best centre back partnership

New signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are just starting to pay back their club for their substantial transfer fees with some good performances of late.

Werner, in particular, played excellently against Southampton, taking his two goals exceptionally well. 

He’ll have a tougher time of it against United’s defenders, particularly if the Reds stick with Axel Tuanzebe who was phenomenal in Paris. 

Lampard also seems a little unsure of his best midfield at present, with the usually brilliant Kante more subdued of late. Thiago Silva, at 36, also cannot be expected to play every game.

But Chelsea have plenty of firepower going forward and it will be another difficult afternoon for United’s defenders.

Star Man – Timo Werner

Finally exploded to life in the Premier League with two great goals against Southampton