While they may not be at the top of the table like in past years, a clash between Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea is always considered a heavyweight affair. Wednesday, December 6th will be no different as the two lock horns at the iconic Old Trafford. The kick-off is scheduled for 3:15 PM EST. The Red Devils are coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday, falling to seventh in the standings. As for the Blues, they pulled off an inspiring but nail-biting 3-2 victory against Brighton. With only five points separating these two sides, this is an important match. Continue reading for the Manchester United vs Chelsea picks.
Before we get into the odds, match preview, and picks, check out the biggest Vegas online soccer betting sites if you plan to put money down on this game.
Chelsea comes in as a very slim +140 favorite at the Theater of Dreams, while United returns at +187. In other words, sportsbooks expect this match to go either way. A draw is priced at +270 and that could offer value. Five of the last six meetings ended level, while the Red Devils beat the Blues 4-1 at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
Things are looking grim for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. United is struggling both domestically and in Europe and there’s no signs of things turning around. Erik ten Hag is under fire because of the team’s struggles and it’s honestly unlikely he will keep his job if they can’t find results. In the Premier League, the Red Devils have an 8-0-6 record, scoring only 16 goals in 24 games while conceding 17. Defensively that’s not awful, but the attack is not producing the goods. Another notable statistic is United is the only side in the top flight to not draw a game in 2023-24.
Last Wednesday, the Red Devils looked well on their way to a much-needed victory in the Champions League, putting themselves up two goals to the good early in the first half against Galatasaray. But, things quickly took a turn for the worst, ultimately settling for a 3-3 draw. United is at the bottom of their group in the UCL and will not progress to the Round of 16. Then on Saturday, it was another uninspiring performance against the Magpies. United mustered up just one shot on target and eight attempts in total to 22 for Newcastle. To put it frankly, they were outplayed.
There is zero consistency in the final third. Marcus Rashford, who is supposed to be the talisman, has scored only two EPL goals. Bruno Fernandes’ three goals and three assists are a team-best and that’s not even all that impressive. Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund meanwhile hasn’t netted once. On a more positive note, the Red Devils are only five points off fourth place Tottenham, therefore not all is lost quite yet. But, winning games like Wednesday are a must.
Chelsea’s squad is essentially brand new compared to last season. This is a project where the club is hoping they will be a force again in a couple of years. You can see the growing pains. The Blues are 10th in the table with a 5-4-5 record. Just like United, consistency remains a concern. For example, Mauricio Pochettino’s group played to a thrilling 2-2 draw with Arsenal but did blow a two-goal lead while also settling for a point against Man City in a 4-4 outcome.
Then, on the other hand, Chelsea has lost to teams like Nottingham Forest and Brentford. The best version of this side isn’t showing up every matchday and until that happens, they will not be in conversation for European spots again. However, the Blues put in a shift over the weekend, beating a quality Brighton side. Enzo and Levi Colwill put the hosts ahead early in the first half before the Seagulls got one back before half. Conor Gallagher actually got a second yellow prior to the break but Chelsea managed to hold their own, even scoring a third through an Enzo penalty.
This was a crucial three points for Pochettino’s men after a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle. But, despite United’s recent results, the Blues know this is not a side that can be taken for granted. They must do their absolute best to leave Old Trafford with full points. The last time Chelsea beat the Red Devils was back in 2020. A long time coming, to say the least.
Five draws in the previous six between United and Chelsea is clearly a trend. Lock in the +270 for a draw. This will be the hosts’ first stalemate of the Premier League campaign.
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