Fourth plays fifth as the Reds face another big test at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
United come into the game high on confidence after an excellent home performance and win against Spurs mid-week, whilst Chelsea have won four of their last five league games.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
The recent history between these two teams has seen four draws in the past two seasons, with only two goals scored by each team. Chelsea have mostly dominated possession and had more chances.
This time, United should play on the front foot and take the game to Chelsea. The Reds overwhelmed a toothless Spurs with positive, incisive football on Wednesday, and should be their best approach on Saturday too.
THE OUTLOOK – OPTIMISTIC
Before the Newcastle game, we said that 7 points out of the next possible 9 should be the target if United want to cement themselves as top-4 contenders, and we’re sticking with that.
The manner in which the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur showed what this team has the potential to do, both in attack and defence, when they follow the manager’s plan and are brave in possession.
There appears to be no fresh injury concerns for Erik ten Hag, and Christian Eriksen may be available for selection.
United should be looking to win this game and they have the quality to do it!
MANCHESTER UNITED
As we mentioned, United have been somewhat fortunate to snatch a point in each of their last four league games against Chelsea, who have mostly dominated possession and had the lion’s share of shots on goal.
This season, United showed their counter-attacking prowess in the wins over Liverpool and Arsenal, but Wednesday’s performance showed a new side to Ten Hag’s United.
The ability to dominate games, create multiple chances (United had 28 shots on goal) and completely shut out the opposition is something we haven’t seen before, and whilst it is typically harder to do these things away from home, a similar United performance to Wednesday should hopefully see the Reds come out on top.
We’re sticking with the same starting line-up from that game:
Predicted XI
Opposition
Chelsea come into the game in good form, having taken 12 from the last possible 15 points in the league with five clean sheets. However, they were frustrated in mid-week by Brentford, who held them to a 0-0.
Conor Gallagher is doubtful. N’Golo Kante and Reece James are out injured.
Predicted XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Chalobah; Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell; Sterling, Mount, Aubameyang
A HARD PLACE TO WIN
Stamford Bridge is a tricky place to come to and Chelsea don’t concede many goals. It is vital that United stick to the plan, play their own football and are brave on the ball.
Midfield battles could prove key. Casemiro and Fred will look to keep the likes of playmakers Mason Mount and Jorginho quiet, and if Bruno can find the pockets of space in front of goal like on Wednesday, we know he can create chances.
Marcus Rashford showed excellent form on Wednesday too, and was unlucky not to score. If he keeps up this level of performance, he could be the difference-maker in what is sure to be a tight game.
PREDICTION
Chelsea 0-1 United
We don’t expect this to be a high-scoring game.
Chelsea look formidable at the back, and United have been good defensively too.
However, if the Reds perform as they did against Spurs, there’s no reason they can’t come away from Stamford Bridge with all three points, and we think this should be the aim.