Premier League: how Chelsea can rub salt into struggling United's wounds

Top four place on the line

Manchester United and Chelsea will both have been casting envious glances at Manchester City and Liverpool as they played Champions League semi-finals this week – and on Thursday the two will do battle in order to guarantee a return to Europe’s top competition. 

There is a very real danger that Man United won’t make it, and indeed anything short of victory in this rearranged Premier League fixture will virtually guarantee that they will not. Chelsea, meanwhile, are third and will feel that they should have closed out their spot in the competition by now.

The Blues are 2.34 favourites to win this match, with Manchester United’s odds of 3.3 sadly reflective of their poor form. A draw is on offer at 3.6.

United need a pick-me-up

In a season of lows, the Red Devils plumbed new depths on Saturday as they were outplayed 3-1 at Arsenal, leaving them sixth in the standings and in need of a miracle to return to the Champions League. Having hoped for the title at the start of the season, it has been a sobering campaign.

Recent weeks have been particularly difficult, with Scott McTominay admitting after the weekend’s loss that all has not been well behind the scenes at the club. After a run of five defeats and a draw in eight games, that has been amply clear. 

Four wins in their remaining four matches could potentially salvage the season, and with a relatively straightforward run of fixtures to come after Thursday’s clash, it is not impossible.

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has seen his side lose five of their last eight games

Chelsea travelling well 

Chelsea have also known their problems this season, but they have responded to their off-field issues with a strong run on the park. From their last 13 matches, they have picked up 10 wins, while their three defeats have all curiously come at home. 

Indeed, their last away match was their thrilling 3-2 success against Real Madrid, which just fell short of seeing them progress in Europe. Last time out, meanwhile, they beat West Ham 1-0 thanks to a Christian Pulisic goal in the last minute. 

They have not travelled well against Manchester United, though. They are winless at Old Trafford since a 1-0 victory in May 2013, and have failed to score in five of their last eight at the venue. 

Red Devils set for more Blues

Look for this match to buck the trend of tight games between these two clubs, with over 2.5 goals priced at 1.89. Man United have cast off the pragmatic style that was common when Rangnick first arrived, with five of their last seven in the Premier League yielding more than three goals. The Blues, meanwhile, have scored 13 in their last three away games. 

Although they are undefeated in eight against Chelsea, their weak defence and fragile team spirit is set to undermine them in this match against a team that boasts a fine away record in recent times. With goals and an away victory on the cards, look to roll both factors into one bet.

Recommended bet

Chelsea and over 2.5 goals @ 3.35