Stamford Bridge hasn’t been a pay hunting ground in the league for United in recent years, but they look overpriced at 2.9 with Betfred to beat their arch rivals Chelsea and bag a vital three points to maintain their title challenge.
Having played Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in quick succession, and with Liverpool coming up again, United are now at a crucial stage of their season having hauled themselves level on points with Roberto Mancini’s men at the top of the Premiership.
It’s vital that they keep up the pressure on their neighbours who are now beginning to wobble after a terrific start to the season, and three points in this is a must.
United have actually won five of the last six matches in all competitions against Chelsea, but their last win in the PL against them came 10 years ago.
However the home side come into this in shaky form having lost three out of their last seven home games, and they will once again be without their key striker as Didier Drogba is still away on duty in the Africa Cup of Nations.
John Terry, who has been making the headlines off the pitch this week, has also been ruled out due to an knee injury and I am convinced an on-song United will prove too strong and bag all three points.
As far as the United teams news is concerned, Tom Cleverley is available for the first time since October, while Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Nani are also fit.
Sadly Anders Lindegaard faces six weeks out with an ankle injury, so David de Gea is set to return in goal.
Rooney has scored four goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against Chelsea and also netted on his last two visits to Stamford Bridge, one in the league and one in the Champions League.
He is a top priced 7 with Boylesports to net the opener, but I would far rather back him in the anytime scorer market at a generous looking 2.6 with the same firm.
I fancy United to win 2-0 or 2-1, and those scorelines can be backed at 12 with Betfred and 15 with bet365 respectively.
------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.