Man Utd vs Chelsea: Match Preview & predictions
Man Utd vs Chelsea: Match Preview & predictions. Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge of his first Premier League game as Manchester United‘s interim manager when Chelsea visit Old Trafford on Sunday.
What once looked like a somewhat easy fixture for Enzo Maresca‘s Blues, no longer seems so with the Red Devils bound to be emboldened by Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. United were ruthless on Van Nistelrooy’s managerial bow in midweek as they put five past Leicester to advance into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea, meanwhile, where up against Newcastle for the second game running but were defeated at the St James’ Park having beaten the Magpies 2-1 in the league last Sunday.
Maresca’s side have so far made a bright start to the season and are considerably better off than Sunday’s opponents, who are six points off.
Let’s take a look below on how we preview the classic and entertaining Premier League clash between Man Utd vs Chelsea.
What time does Man Utd vs Chelsea kick-off?
Location: Manchester, England
Stadium: Old Trafford
Date: Sunday 3 November
Kick-off Time: 16:30 GMT / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
Referee: Robert Jones
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Man Utd vs Chelsea H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Man Utd: 2 wins
Chelsea: 1 win
Draws: 2
Last meeting: Chelsea 4-3 Man Utd (4 April 2024) – Premier League
Man Utd team news;
While Ruben Amorim has been named United’s next manager following the departure of Erik ten Hag, the former Portugal international would have to wait until the November international break.
There was no drastic systematic or personnel overhaul from Van Nistelrooy on Wednesday night and no big surprises are expected from the interim boss for Chelsea’s visit.
However, United are still hit with few injuries. The hosts are without the likes of Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Kobbie Mainoo on Sunday, while Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are also doubts.
Noussair Mazraoui and Rasmus Hojlund should both come back into the starting XI, with Lisandro Martinez set to partner Matthijs de Ligt at centre-back.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Chelsea
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Eriksen; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Chelsea team news;
In what is termed Chelsea’s ‘B team’, couldn’t get the job done when they visited the St James’ Park on Wednesday, with Maresca set to return to his preferred starting XI when they travel to the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.
The Blues boasts of a fully fit squad going into this clash, with Ben Chilwell potentially the only absentee excluding the ill and ineligible Jadon Sancho, who cannot face his parent club.
Pedro Neto looks set to start in Sancho’s absence and Palmer could focus his attention more towards the left flank as he did during last Sunday’s 2-1 win against the Magpies. Captain Reece James may also continue at left-back with Malo Gusto starting down the opposite flank.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man Utd
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Man Utd vs Chelsea score prediction;
Wednesday’s feel-good atmosphere will evolve into one of distinct fervency on Sunday as contemporary rivals Chelsea visit Old Trafford. It was utter chaos the last time these two sides met, with Palmer inspiring the Blues to victory with his hat-trick.
With Van Nistelrooy bound to release the shackles, entertainment is in store on Sunday afternoon. The Dutchman’s presence on the touchline will do his team the world of good and a rampant Theatre of Dreams is bound to make life incredibly tough for the visitors.
Chelsea, though, have often proven to be efficient when progressing upfield with possession and are bound to test United’s defensive structure persistently in this contest. This could be a thrilling affair in which neither side establishes control, but with Chelsea’s ruthless and efficient attacking options so far this campaign, expect the Blues to edge this one out.
Prediction: Man Utd 1-2 Chelsea
