Manchester United and Chelsea meet in a match between two clubs that have suffered through turbulent times in the recent past.
Current Blues manager Enzo Maresca was hired in the summer after winning the Championship with Leicester, and had to deal with an extraordinary turnover of players in order to finalise his squad for the season.
Meanwhile, United initially decided to persevere with under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, before eventually relieving him of his duties earlier this week, leaving former player Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager before the expected permanent appointment of Sporting coach Ruben Amorim.
With seemingly so much going on off the pitch, it will be interesting to see how that manifests itself through on-pitch performances. In our match preview, we take a look at how it could turn out.
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Manchester United vs Chelsea
Sunday, November 3, 4.30pm
Old Trafford, Manchester
Live on Sky Sports
Manchester United vs Chelsea Preview
It is difficult to know where to start when assessing this current iteration of United. From the ownership of the club to the position of now former manager Ten Hag, there has been nonstop drama. And this is even before you start to discuss what has been happening on the pitch.
They currently sit 14th in the Premier League table with just 11 points, having lost more games than they have won after nine played. So it should come as no surprise that Ten Hag was sacked. Perhaps the most surprising thing was that it took powers that be at United so long to make the decision, with sections of the fanbase believing it should have happened in the summer.
Club icon Van Nistelrooy has taken interim charge until the Red Devils can finalise the appointment of Amorim. Until then, Van Nistelrooy will try his best to get a positive reaction from the players – something that was evident during their 5-2 Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat of Leicester.
Not too long ago, Chelsea were embroiled in similar circumstances that affected the team’s performance on the pitch. But since overcoming ownership issues, a major squad overhaul and settling on a new potentially long-term manager, there are finally signs of stability at Stamford Bridge.
This has been shown by their solid start to the season, which finds them in fifth, just six points behind leaders Manchester City. Maresca has implemented a system that has continued to get the most out of Cole Palmer, who has already contributed seven goals and five assists, while also stabilising the form of talented, big-money signings such as Moises Caicedo – and the many young attacking talents at his disposal.
Whether this Chelsea start can be sustained over the entirety of the season is anyone’s guess, but the club’s situation is certainly healthier than it was a year ago. With such a young squad, the projected trajectory is likely to be upward.
This is a tough one to call, with various factors potentially having an effect on proceedings. But having been released from the shackles of Ten Hag’s floundering regime, the change in atmosphere at United, as well as home advantage, might be enough to see them through.
Manchester United vs Chelsea Odds
*Odds are subject to change
United are priced at 2.53 to get the victory, while Chelsea are also at 2.53, indicating the unpredictability of this match. The draw is at 3.65.
Manchester United vs Chelsea Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score – Yes @ 1.39
Neither team has the defensive record that screams ‘clean sheet’, so both sides getting at least a goal seems reasonable.
Player Will Score and The Opponent Team Will Win – Cole Palmer @ 9.00
We are all fully aware of Palmer’s influence on this Chelsea attack, but he does not have the same control over the defensive solidity, which could prove the issue against a rejuvenated United.
Player to Score or Assist – Bruno Fernandes @ 2.00
Bruno Fernandes is, without doubt, at the heart of United’s creative play. After two goals in the win against Leicester, it could spark the start of another great run of form from him.
Manchester United Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Onana, Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Ugarte, Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
Injuries/Doubts: Malacia, Yoro, Shaw, Mount, Maguire, Mainoo, Collyer, Antony
Chelsea Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto, Enzo, Caicedo, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Injuries/Doubts: Sancho, Kellyman
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