SlipsTips shares a selection ahead of Chelsea's clash with Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday night.
Chelsea vs Manchester United (Saturday, 20:00)
Saturday’s Premier League action concludes at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea square off against Manchester United.
The 6th-placed Blues will be desperate to arrest their slump in form following last Sunday's 3-0 hammering at the hands of title-chasing Manchester City.
As for 3rd-placed Manchester United, they will be keen to get their quest for Champions League qualification back on track after a shock 2-1 home defeat to Leeds on Monday night.
With neither side holding strong appeal in the 1×2 market, I’m instead focusing on an alternative angle in the player fouls market.
Cole Palmer can be backed at 4/5 with Sky Bet to be fouled at least twice on Saturday night, and that looks well worth supporting.
While the Chelsea talisman has not quite replicated his standout form of recent seasons, he continues to draw free-kicks on a consistent basis.
That is reflected in his numbers, with Palmer drawing an average of 1.55 fouls per game in the Premier League this season.
However, a deeper dive into the data shows Palmer has been fouled multiple times in seven of his 13 top-flight appearances, including four of his last six outings at Stamford Bridge.
It is also worth noting that Palmer was brought down a combined total of six times across last season's two meetings with Manchester United, including twice in the corresponding fixture in West London.
With Enzo Fernandez expected to return to Chelsea’s starting XI on Saturday night, Palmer could be shifted back out to the right-hand side, likely setting up a direct duel with Luke Shaw.
The Manchester United left-back is well known for being a persistent offender, averaging 1.33 fouls per game in the Premier League this season, and committing two or more fouls in two of his last three appearances.
Palmer’s tendency to cut inside into central areas from the right flank should also bring him into close contact with tough-tackling Man United midfielder Casemiro, who averages 1.73 fouls per 90, adding further weight to this value selection.
Recommended Bet
- Cole Palmer To Be Fouled 2+ Times – 4/5 (Sky Bet)
Grant Heaney, aka SlipsTips, is a Freelance Football and Darts Writer with over six years experience. Grant has written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. He is a Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. You can find all of his tips on X @SlipsTips
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