Pundit says Chelsea will beat Crystal Palace solely because Eagles are missing 2 key stars
Chelsea will play host to Manchester United later today in what could be a Premier League classic. Pundit and ex-Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, in his latest BBC Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News), has given his prediction in favour of the Blues to win 1-0.
“But I’m still really not sure what to expect from United. They were poor against Newcastle, then excellent against Tottenham… what idiot would have predicted a Spurs win at Old Trafford? Chelsea’s draw with Brentford on the same night was probably a bit of a disappointment given their other results under Graham Potter, who has made a good start as manager and is unbeaten in his seven games in charge.”
“Their past four meetings with Chelsea have all ended in draws but, this time, I think there will be a winner and I’m going with Potter to get it.”
Graham Potter is yet to taste defeat in any competition since taking over the helm of the club in September. The Blues have won three of their last four league games, while United have two in their last three league games.
The Red Devils will be without Cristiano Ronaldo and Antony Martial for this clash. While this will come as good news to Potter, he too has a number of absentees of his own.
N’Golo Kante will miss this game, having last featured for the club in August during their 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Centre-back Wesley Fofana and right-back Reece James are also set to miss the game due to their respective injuries.
Chelsea were held to a goalless draw earlier this week against Brentford and fans will hope for a win this time out. Erik ten Hag’s side, meanwhile were terrific as they beat Spurs 2-0 and will come to west London in good form and spirit.
As for the head-to-head record between the two clubs, Chelsea have won 18 times, while United, 17. 25 games have ended in a draw and today’s game will be their 61st encounter in the Premier League era.
The last two encounters between the two ended in a 1-1 draw on both occasions. Potter will hope to extend the lead his side has over their rivals, while fans will pray that Sutton is right with his prediction.
A win against an in-form United side that has 19 points from a possible 24 in their last eight games will be a massive boost. Not to mention, they are one of our main rivals in our bid to finish in the top four.
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