Chelsea will look to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.
The Blues' six-game unbeaten run in the top-flight came grinding to a halt on Sunday when losing 2-0 away at Newcastle, on an afternoon where our man Kevin Mac delivered a couple of winners.
That setback coupled with results elsewhere means that Chelsea have dropped down to fifth place in the table, where they have both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest breathing down their neck.
Seeking to get their quest for Champions League qualification back on track, Chelsea will look to bank all three points when Manchester United come to town.
The Red Devils are languishing way down in 17th place in the table after losing 2-0 at home to West Ham last weekend.
Understandably, Ruben Amorim’s side would appear to be putting all of their eggs in one basket and focusing on next week’s Europa League final showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.
How the bookies view it: Chelsea to take charge
Chelsea – who have won seven of their last eight Premier League home games – are big favourites on Friday night at 1/3 with Boylesports.
Manchester United will make the trip south as massive 7/1 outsiders on Boylesports, while a share of the Stamford Bridge spoils is also deemed unlikely at 15/4 with the same firm.
Head to head: History against the hosts
It may come as a surprise to learn that Chelsea have taken top honours from just one of their last 14 Premier League meetings with Manchester United, with this season’s reverse fixture at Old Trafford ending 1-1.
Last season’s corresponding fixture finished 4-3 in Chelsea’s favour and another game featuring goals at both ends alongside over 2.5 goals appeals here at even-money (1/1) on Boylesports.
Players to watch: Fernandez in fine form
Enzo Fernandez has either scored or provided an assist in three of Chelsea’s last four Premier League matches, making a repeat on Friday night an attractive angle of attack at 13/10 with PaddyPower.
Having picked up a card in two of his last six top-flight outings, Christian Eriksen looks overpriced to receive another caution here at 15/2 with Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca will be unable to call upon the services of the suspended Nicolas Jackson after the striker received a red card at Newcastle last time out.
With one eye on next week’s Europa League final, United boss Amorim is highly likely to make wholesale changes at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Fernandez, Madueke; Palmer
Man United: Bayindir; Fredricson, Lindelof, Shaw; Kamason, Eriksen, Ugarte, Amass; Mainoo, Garnacho, Obi
Anything else catch the eye?
The aforementioned Enzo Fernandez looks nicely priced to be fouled two or more times on Friday night at even-money (1/1) with Paddy Power.
The all-action Argentine has been brought down on at least two occasions in four of his last six Premier League appearances.
It's also worth noting that Fernandez was fouled three times during Chelsea’s recent home game with Everton.
This English Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United will be played on and kick off at 20:15. Check below for our tipsters best Chelsea vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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