Race for top four heats up
Manchester United head to Chelsea for a season-defining match at Stamford Bridge. Can United really chase down Frank Lampard’s side in the chase for Champions League football? Have a read of our preview here:
The chase is on!
It is unbelievable to think that Manchester United could still make the top-four. They have been awful this season and come into the game without a win in their last three in the league.
Despite this, they are only six points behind Chelsea and can have a realistic shot at catching them. A host of other sides will also be hoping United can bag a win to help in their respective quests for a Champions League spot with Wolves, Everton, Sheffield United and Spurs all within touching distance of Frank Lampard’s outfit.
United are on a barren scoring run, having failed to score in three consecutive matches for the first time since October 2016, but the importance of the game at Stamford Bridge should give them the impetus to go for it.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs his side to really go for it as a defeat is likely to end their chances of a top-four finish.
Can the Blues stay the course?
Chelsea come into this game on the back of a couple of 2-2 draw which have dented their grip on the fourth Champions League spot.
Those matches were against Arsenal and Leicester, but the truth is Lampard’s men have not been consistent enough since late November and now have to work hard to keep others at bay.
This will be a big opportunity for the youngsters who were mauled at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season to get some revenge. That 4-0 defeat seems like an age ago, which just shows how much better Chelsea have been than many expected following that opening day defeat.
The game on Monday night starts a run of matches that will define the Londoners season, with Spurs up next following the game against United and Everton also coming to Stamford Bridge in early March.
A lot rides on this game and so it should be a tense, hopefully, entertaining match-up.
Chelsea vs Manchester United betting tip
All to play for in this one and plenty of talent for both sides so you’d expect there to be goals. Hard to know how Manchester United will approach the trip to London but with them needing the points, it is bound to be an attacking outlook. With that in mind, we are backing both teams to score at odds of 4/5 with Betfair.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Manchester United's 2-0 win could be massive in the context of their season, but they could have at least allowed Chelsea a consolation