Manchester United v Chelsea
Sunday 28th April 1630hrs
Football – England – Premier League
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Marathon Bet
Odds: 89/100 (odds taken 17.25 GMT, Friday 26th April)
It is been a stinging week for Manchester United but they are still in with a chance of finishing in the top four and will look to get back on track against the current occupants of fourth spot, Chelsea.
Premier League Betting at Marathon Bet
Manchester United Preview
As month’s go, April has not been a favourable one for Manchester United and their now permanent manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. In their six games so far this month, United have lost five and won once – and even that was a game they were fortunate to get anything from. Granted, three of those defeats have came against Barcelona (twice in the Champions League) and Manchester City but there’s no getting away from just how disappointing a return it’s been – especially as the previous three months had hinted that the Old Trafford club were on the path to something special under their favourite Norwegian. It was last Sunday’s game away to Everton where even the most optimistic of supporters would have been concerned with what lies ahead as they went down 4-0 without even a hint of fight. That, combined with a limp display in the derby on Wednesday, has brought back the same issues about the personalities of the same players that essentially signalled the end of Jose Mourinho’s reign at the club. Three points is all that separates United from Chelsea in fourth spot and it’s clearly a deficit they can overcome but on recent showings they are going to have to improve markedly in order to do that.
Key-Facts – Manchester United v Chelsea
- After recent results this is the last chance saloon for United in their hopes of finishing fourth
- Chelsea have not been in great form either of late but remain in pole position for fourth spot
- United’s home games average 3.2 goals whilst Chelsea’s away games average 2.9
Chelsea Preview
Chelsea have flattered to deceive on a number of occasions this season and whilst we have all wondered if that’s due to Maurizo Sarri getting to grips with English football, it just appears that’s going to be their way under the Italian. Monday’s night game at home to Burnley is a good example of that as they came out firing in the first half and looked excellent going forward, only to be undone by some defensive lapses. They tired in the second half and the game eventually fizzled out in a 2-2 draw. With Eden Hazard they are capable of challenging any team in this league but they are just a bit soft to really compete at the top of the league – both mentally and physically. Like United, it is apparent there will be some significant turnover of players in the summer and it will be a very different looking Chelsea that appears for the new season. That will be one, they hope, includes a return to the Champions League. At the moment, they have that within their grasp due to both Arsenal and United faltering even more than they have done, and they also have the chance of reaching it by winning the Europa League having made it to the final four of that competition.
Manchester United v Chelsea Betting Advice
This game is going to have an obvious bearing on who finishes in the top four but a win is much more important for the home team who know, if they fail to collect three points, will be severely up against it in their bid to be playing Champions League football. Additionally, another defeat or underwhelming performance would also add to the frustration and disappointment that has plagued them not only this month, but for much of the season. Sarri will be pragmatic enough to know that a draw is not the worst result for his team but will be looking to take a big step towards securing fourth with a win.
More changes are expected in the United line-up but whoever takes the field, the approach will be to take the game to Chelsea and go all out for the win. The Blues have been hit and miss on the road with nine wins and seven losses and their 17 games have produced a total of 49 goals. United’s home games have seen them win 10 and lose only twice, and a return of 55 goals in 17 matches. It’s not been a typically high-scoring game but everything of late points to a few in this and over 2.5 should be snapped up.
