Chelsea moved a step closer to winning its fifth Premier League title after beating QPR in a one-goal thriller on Sunday. They will look to solidify their championship credentials even further when they host third-placed Manchester United this coming Saturday.
It’s bound to be one epic showdown as the Red Devils will enter this clash in supreme form, winning all of their last six Premier League games. Read on below for a breakdown of this match and while you’re at it, you can check out our Champions League previews of Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid and Juventus vs. Monaco.
[sc:Soccer ]Manchester United vs. Chelsea Betting Preview
Where: Stamford Bridge, London
When: Saturday, April 18, 12:30 PM ET
Line: Manchester United at Chelsea – view all EPL lines
Betting on Manchester United
Manchester United piled more pressure on City boss Manuel Pellegrini as the Red Devils thrashed their bitter rivals, 4-2, in a thrilling derby encounter on Sunday. Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling scored the goals for United who moved four points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League table.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]It was a huge statement victory for United who snapped their four-match losing skid against Manchester City. Something has clicked with United ever since their shock 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup a month ago, winning four league matches in succession, outscoring their opponents by a whopping 12 goals to four.
That four-match stretch wasn’t easy by any means. They faced Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City during this period, all of which reside in the top 7 of the Premier League standings. It’s quite remarkable that United have managed to do this with world-class attackers Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao sitting on the sidelines.
Stepping up big time for United is the midfield duo of Young and Fellaini. Young, in particular, was a permanent threat against City, finishing the game with a goal and two assists. To demonstrate Young’s impact on the side this season, the Red Devils are unbeaten in the last 16 matches (11 wins, five draws) that Young has started.
Expect the Englishman to be in the starting XI for United’s crunch clash with Chelsea this coming weekend. Manchester United’s vaunted attack will be severely tested against a Chelsea defense that has allowed just seven goals at Stamford Bridge this season, the fewest in the entire Premier League.
The Red Devils are 3-1-2 in their last six away games.
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Betting on Chelsea
Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the league table to seven points with a gritty 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. Cesc Fabregas was the hero for the Blues as he scored the match-winner with three minutes remaining in the game to give Chelsea the precious three points.
It wasn’t the best of performances from Chelsea who registered just a single shot on target. Their 70% pass completion against QPR was their lowest in a Premier League game this season. They will need to step up their play this coming Saturday as they will face the surging Manchester United next.
For Chelsea to beat United, they will need to do a much better job in handling the opponents’ pressure. The Blues struggled to deal with QPR’s intense pressing Saturday with Joey Barton and Charlie Austin driving the hosts forward. Fortunately for the Blues, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was up to the task as he recorded his ninth clean sheet of the season.
Chelsea has been superb on the defensive end this campaign, allowing just 26 goals this season, second-fewest in the Premier League. They will have a tough task, though, stopping a United side that has already scored 59 goals this season, third-best in the league.
In terms of their attack, Jose Mourinho will once again rely on his trusted veteran Didier Drogba. With Diego Costa and Loic Remy both out because of injuries, the Ivory Coast striker is expected to lead Chelsea’s frontline. He scored against United in their first meeting this season and will be a definite threat for the Red Devils this coming weekend.
The Blues are 3-0-3 in their last six home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Manchester United stuns Chelsea, 2-1.
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