Premier League: Could Bridge Battle be a Throwback?

Chelsea vs Manchester United

For six or seven seasons, this was THE match in the Premier League with title contenders on multiple occasions, both slugging it out for top spot and to be crowned kings of England.

That only became possible after billionaire Roman Abramovich pitched up in west Londoners and changed the landscape of English football.

Manchester United had their own ‘man in a billion’ at the helm then of course, but it’s now more than eight years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and the club is again looking to make a new appointment.

So much so, that it is a temporary boss that brings the Red Devils to the league leaders this Sunday afternoon.

Talking Points

While Chelsea were turning on the style, creating Premier League 2021 highlights aplenty to cement their position at the top with a convincing 3-0 win at Leicester last Saturday, United were going down to an embarrassing reverse in Hertfordshire which signalled the end for one of their own.

That the decent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a great man but not a manager, was sacked last Sunday morning was hardly a surprise.

He should have gone some time ago. In fact, he should not have been appointed in the first place, but that appears to be the issue at United these days.

As a number of fans have pointed out, the real fault lies elsewhere.

Whatever happens over the next few weeks and months, the interest in and spotlight on Britain’s best supported football club will not alter and that is what makes this another intriguing contest, even though on form there should only be one winner.

For a start, United travel to Stamford Bridge missing their best two centre-backs in the suspended Harry Maguire and the injured Raphael Varane.

At the same time, Chelsea are welcoming back to fitness their two first choice centre-forwards in Timo Werner and ex-United man Romelu Lukaku.

In many ways perversely, some of the pressure is off United.

For many people – and the SBOTOP Premier League 2021 betting odds – they expect a home win and Chelsea need that to keep the likes of reigning champions Manchester City and Liverpool in their rear view.

United, meanwhile, lie eighth and with much uncertainty surrounding them even if the man taking the reins for the next week or so in Michael Carrick made a winning debut in the Champions League in Spain in midweek.

They didn’t fully convince in that game but the win will have lifted spirits and, presumably, confidence.

At the same time, as United were defeating Villarreal, European champions Chelsea were flexing their muscles to see off Italian giants Juventus.

In fact, their 4-0 rout inflicted the Italian club’s heaviest defeat in the Champions League and demonstrated Chelsea’s status as a serious contender to retain the trophy they won against Premier League rivals Manchester City in May.

Of course, the league title is arguably the biggest competition of all and how boss Thomas Tuchel would love to guide them to the top prize in the country.

Their only doubts surround N’Golo Kante who went off early in midweek and, more worryingly, left-back Ben Chilwell who has suspected ligament damage and is definitely missing.

His absence for a long period would be a big blow to a defence which has conceded only 24 goals in the German’s first 50 games in charge – a record for a manager in charge of a British club.

History

Both meetings between these sides finished goalless last season. In 2019/20, they met four times with United winning three of those meetings.

The Red Devils enjoyed a 2-0 success at Stamford Bridge and beat them at Old Trafford when Chelsea were the better side for an hour but ended up on the receiving end of a 4-0 thrashing.

Marcus Rashford scored twice in that game and also netted both, including a brilliant winner at Stamford Bridge as United went onto knock Chelsea out of the League Cup.

The Londoners gained revenge later that season by seeing off United 3-1 in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Overall, United have triumphed 81 times against the west Londoners who have enjoyed success on 55 occasions. The other 53 matches have been draws.

Betting Tip

	Chelsea vs Manchester United	Over 2.75 goals @ 2.21
	November 29, 12:30 (GMT+8)

If there is to be a third successive goalless draw between these sides, then Correct Score 0-0 will earn you a tidy pay day with odds of @ 10.00. Likewise, a 1X2 Draw is on offer @ 4.00.

With odds of Chelsea 1X2 @ 1.57 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.35, it is clear Tuchel’s men are favourites.

United are much further adrift, available 1X2 at a distant @ 5.40 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.21.

A fixture which has often been tight yet has rarely been short of goals, there are many options to consider.

These include over 2.75 goals @ 2.21, under 2.25 goals @ 2.25, total goal 0-1 3.40, 2-3 @ 1.91 and 4-6 @ 3.45.

 

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