Manchester United vs Chelsea- Premier League preview and odds

Published on: 16/04/2017

Manchester United vs Chelsea- Premier League preview and odds

April 16, 2017 16:00pm - Old Trafford

Premier League

With just four points separating them from second-ranked Tottenham Hotspur, the pressure will be on league leaders Chelsea to take all three points from their visit to Old Trafford on Sunday. The hosts themselves could do with a win to aid their quest for a top-four finish,

How will the Blues cope with the pressure?

Whatever happens from now until the end of the season, Antonio Conte`s first term at the Stamford Bridge helm will surely be herladed as a success. The Italian Coach has dragged the club back to the top of English football a little over a year after an unprecedented implosion threatened to set them back years.

The Blues are in pole position to grab the Premier League crown but a late run of form from fellow Londoners Tottenham Hotspur has ensured that they will face a fight to get over the line. With just one defeat in their last 11 matches, Conte`s charges have certainly shown no signs of collapsing but a recent defeat at home to Crystal Palace has perhaps shown that they might be vulnerable when put under pressure.

With Spurs having the advantage of playing their game the day before, the onus is now on Chelsea to respond by restoring their seven-point lead.

Meanwhile, while Chelsea seek to maintain their advantage at the top, the hosts will be attempting to reduce the advantage of those above them as they go in search of a top-four finish.

If they are going to book a place in next season`s Champions League, Manchester United will probably have to steal fourth spot from arch rivals Liverpool. However, the team from Merseyside currently have the upper hand thanks to a superior goal difference. However, one slip up from Klopp`s men could put United`s fourth-place destiny in their own hands. A recent run of five draws in six home games has not helped their cause.

Team news

The home side will have to make do without the injured group of Ashley Young (knock), Wayne Rooney (ankle), Juan Mata (groin surgery), Phil Jones (toe) and Chris Smalling (knee), while David De Gea (hip) and Antonio Valencia (muscular) are both doubtful.

Recent form (League)

Manchester United: WDDWD

Chelsea: WWLWW

Betting odds and tips

Remarkably, Manchester United are undefeated in their last 21 matches. However, they drew 10 of those including five of their last six at home.

Chelsea have scored at least one goal in each of their last 11 matches and conceded at least once in each of their last nine. Away from home they have won 10 of their last 13, with their sole defeat coming away to Tottenham.

With all things considered, the draw looks like the best result with both teams getting on the score sheet.

You can back the draw at 11/5 or a correct score of 1-1 at 5/1 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 16/04/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/04/2017 13:07:30) but are subject to change.