We have got another absorbing round of EPL fixtures to look forward to this weekend, with Chelsea v Manchester United taking top billing on Saturday. It will be fourth v fifth at Stamford Bridge, and while it is still relatively early in the campaign, neither side will be prepared to give an inch.
Man United were brilliant vs Tottenham
United will be buoyed after producing arguably their finest performance of the season in midweek when they brushed aside Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford, while Chelsea were frustrated in a goalless draw away to Brentford.
Nevertheless, there are some intriguing stats that we have cobbled together about both teams which are worth bearing in mind:
- The last four matches between these two sides have ended in draws.
- Graham Potter has now gone seven matches unbeaten in all competitions since taking over the reins at Chelsea.
- Before Chelsea’s draw against Brentford, Kepa Arrizabalaga had prevented more goals in his three games between the posts than any other goalkeeper in the league, averaging 3.2 saves per game.
- Against Tottenham, United registered 19 shots on goal in the first half, of which 14 came outside the box. This eclipses the Red Devils’ record dating back to the 2003/04 campaign.
- Bruno Fernandes created nine chances in the victory over Tottenham — this is the most a player has engineered since Fernandes achieved this against Aston Villa last September.
Clashes between these two sides always make for absorbing viewing, and the most reputable US online betting sites will be on hand to share a raft of game lines.
To whip you up into a frenzy, we have picked out a few tips for you to sink your teeth into ahead of kick-off.
Honors even at Stamford Bridge
Despite taking time to settle and adjust to the demands of the EPL, Erik ten Hag is slowly winning over the Red Devils faithful, and he will have certainly have silenced some of his doubters after the win over Tottenham. United were menacing and they pressed in packs, with Tottenham at times turning over possession too easily when under pressure.
Chelsea have looked more fluid under Potter, and that has been in part down to the contributions of Mason Mount, who has carried a significant attacking threat, and he recently netted a double in the Blues’ 2-0 win away to Aston Villa. As we illustrated, the past four EPL clashes have ended in ties. Indeed, the past two games have resulted in a 1-1 tie. It may not be much different this weekend, and the tie could provide value here. If you are tempted by the Moneyline, the tie is available at +250 with DraftKings which could be worth pursuing.
Antony to draw first blood
Against Tottenham, there were times when Antony seemed to bear resemblance to Lionel Messi. The ball seemed to be like a magnet to his foot and the way he slalomed in between challenges before taking a pop at goal was eye-catching. His performance warranted a goal and he came close to scoring but he was denied by the post, however, he was ably supported by some of his teammates, such as Fred and Diogo Dalot, who also turned in some impeccable displays.
To date, Antony has netted three times in the EPL, and he has created an air of excitement in much the same way as Cristiano Ronaldo did when he first joined United. Although he made his mark in a losing cause against City earlier this month, Antony could pose some serious questions of Chelsea’s back four. If you are keen on the Goalscorer Markets, then Antony is trading at tempting looking odds of +750 with DraftKings to draw first blood in the game for United.
Referee will need his cards close by
While they have been a bane at times for many fans, the match officials have taken credit recently for allowing games to flow as much as possible and play advantage if the situation arises. Matches in the past between Chelsea and United have usually been thunderous affairs, and there will no doubt be some bone-crunching challenges. In their previous encounter at the Bridge, things got slightly out of hand as Anthony Taylor brandished seven yellow cards, with five United players going into the book.
The referee could be in for a busy afternoon this time around, and we have cornered the cards market here. There could be Over 4.5 yellows issued over the 90 minutes, which is available at a short looking -106 with FanDuel.
