EPL preview: Can Chelsea inflict more pain on crisis-ravaged United?
In what is known as “The clash of underperforming giants,”Manchester United and Chelsea will be vying for three points when they play each other at Old Trafford tonight in the week 15 of the English Premier League. Not minding the fact that both clubs has produced the most draws in Premier League history (26)
With ten losses in 21 games played in all competitions so far, Manchester United is having a terrible season. According to recent reports, Erik ten Hag is in danger of losing his job at Old Trafford because he has lost some of his dressing room. Therefore, for the Dutchman to keep his job, the results must start improving soon, especially considering how difficult December’s schedule is.
Last weekend, United lost 1-0 at Newcastle United, ending their 334-minute Premier League run without giving up. It was their first league loss since they were defeated 3-0 by Manchester City in the October derby.
Conversely, Chelsea has spent the last eighteen months playing a consistent brand of inconsistent football. We should have seen positive changes under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance. However, the Blues have found it difficult to start a long winning streak in the Premier League, having won five and lost as many. They are now squarely in the middle of the table as a result of this. Last season, Manchester United easily defeated Chelsea 4-1 in the corresponding match.
Manchester United being at Old Trafford might not make much of a difference with United having lost three of their last five Premier League games at the theater of dreams (two wins), having previously won eight in a row.
Both teams have had an extremely difficult season, fluctuating between subpar performances.
Any team’s victory would be a pleasant diversion from the demanding December schedule, but it wouldn’t exactly solve any issues.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Erik ten Hag has no fresh injury concerns that would interfere with his team’s preparations for their most recent match. The Manchester United manager will be without eight players from the first team when they play Chelsea on Wednesday.
Amad Diallo, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Casemiro stay in the treatment area. Jadon Sancho has not yet declared a ceasefire with Erik ten Hag, so his banishment from the country continues.
In contrast to his colleague in the Manchester United dugout, Mauricio Pochettino must handle a new roster situation prior to the trip to Old Trafford. On Wednesday, the manager of Chelsea may be missing eight players from the first team.
The most recent absence is Conor Gallagher, who is not allowed to play against Manchester United due to a red card he received against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, and Trevoh Chalobah have all joined Gallagher on the sidelines.
Pochettino is still worried about Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, and Malo Gusto’s level of fitness. It’s possible that none of the three will be healthy enough to start. Reece James and Marc Cucurella, however, are back in action after serving their suspensions this past weekend, which is good news.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs CHELSEA TIME AND VENUE
Kick-off date is Wednesday 6th December, 2023
Kick-off time is 9:15pm
Venue is Old Trafford, Manchester
Referee will be Chris Kavanagh
MANCHESTER UNITED PREDICTED LINE UP
(4-2-3-1): Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, McTominay, Mainoo, Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
CHELSEA PREDICTED STARTING LINE UP
(4-2-3-1): Sanchez, James, Disasi, Badiashile, Colwill, Fernandez, Caicedo, Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk, Jackson
Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount is doubtful to face his former club because of a calf problem.
Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo are set to miss out.
Chelsea welcome back Reece James and Marc Cucurella from suspension but Conor Gallagher serves a one-game ban.
Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu are both nursing injuries, meaning the visitors may be without 10 players for the trip to Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Chelsea Prediction
Chelsea is determined to make an impression this weekend after displaying spurts of improvement over the previous month. Players who have stepped up to the plate this season, such as Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, will be crucial if Chelsea must get something from this match.
In their match against Newcastle United, Manchester United looked uninspired and had fluctuated in form recently. Chelsea should be able to get a draw at least in this game because they are currently playing better.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Chelsea
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