Two of the traditional 'big four' Premier League sides, who have largely struggled again so far this season, clash in midweek as Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's side enter this match after falling to defeat again at the weekend, this time a 1-0 loss away to Newcastle United in a match where they were largely outplayed by Eddie Howe's side. The Magpies overtook them in the process, dropping the Red Devils down to seventh spot and five points off of the Champions League places ahead of this midweek matchday.
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As for the visitors here, Chelsea claimed a a 3-2 victory versus Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge over the weekend despite stand-in captain Conor Gallagher being sent off during the first half. That erased their prior poor 4-1 loss away to Newcastle and manager Mauricio Pochettino will now target more success in Manchester.
The away side will need to arrest their terrible head-to-head form against United to grab another much-needed win, though: Chelsea haven't won any of the previous 11 Premier League meetings since taking their last such victory all the way back in November 2017.
The Sporting News previews the game below with our prediction and best bets.
MORE: English Premier League table 2023/24: Updated EPL standings
Man United vs Chelsea match facts
- Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
- Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m. local (3:15 p.m. ET / 12:15 a.m. PT)
- Location: Old Trafford (Manchester, England)
- Last meeting: Manchester United 4-1 Chelsea (May, 5, 2023 | Premier League)
Man United vs Chelsea prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Draw (+265)
- Score prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Chelsea
| MNU win |
Draw | CHE win |
Both teams to score Y / N |
Over / Under 2.5 goals |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings (USA) |
+190 | +265 | +140 | -195 / +155 | -155 / +125 |
*Odds correct as on December 4.
Man United vs Chelsea best bet
- Pick: Over 2.5 goals scored
- Odds: -155 (DraftKings)
Both Manchester United and Chelsea have shown their defensive frailties of late, so although the over 2.5 goals scored selection sits at just -155, we're backing it here.
The hosts were seemingly doing well recently at the back, keeping three consecutive Premier League clean sheets, only for that work to be undone at Newcastle over the weekend. In between those domestic matches, though, the Red Devils also conceded seven times across two Champions League outings against FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
In a similar vein, Chelsea too look weak at the back, failing to now keep a clean sheet across each of their past four outings. Results have been mixed during that streak but even so, conceding 11 times across those four games leaves them susceptible to more defensive woe in this one.
Man United vs Chelsea flier bet
- Pick: Rasmus Hojlund to score first
- Odds: +650 (DraftKings)
Although he hasn't managed to score across his first 10 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, Rasmus Hojlund has been on fire in the Champions League and he should start here after missing out on the Red Devils' last starting lineup.
He was replaced by Anthony Martial who offered little at Newcastle and as such, Hojlund should start here against Chelsea.
At +650 to score first, he seems very good value for those odds when glancing at his form overall this season. A Premier League strike is yet to come, but five goals in five Champions League matches highlights his finishing ability. Two of those have come as match-opening goals as well, which leaves him well placed to repeat the feat here.