English Premier
2016-10-23 - Chelsea vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Premier League
Sunday 23rd October - Kickoff 16:00
Chelsea
Chelsea have recorded back to back league wins over Hull (0-2) and Leicester (3-0) following their back to back losses to Liverpool (1-2) and Arsenal (3-0). The Blues are 3 points off leaders Manchester City and a win over their rivals United on Sunday would be Conte's first big win as Chelsea manager.
Since moving to a 3-5-2/3-4-3 wingback system Chelsea have kept 2 clean sheets in 2 games. The level of opponent hasn't been the best with Hull toothless in attack and Leicester resting 2 key players before their Champions League game but it's a positive start.
Going forward Hazard and Costa are in good form netting in the last game. Chelsea have scored 2 or more goals in 6/8 this season, the 2 exceptions Arsenal and Liverpool which both ended in defeat.
When Chelsea score 2 goals or more at home they are 3/3 and I think they will need at least 2 goals to win on Sunday despite their recent success at the back.
Manchester United
Manchester United play their third game inside 7 days, Liverpool away, Fenerbahce home and now Chelsea away. The game at Liverpool was a draining game and whilst changes are made to the midweek lineup, the additional distraction of the Europa League can't have helped Mourinho in his preparation.
United are 3 unbeaten in the league but have only won 1 in 5. The goals are drying up with just 1 in their last 2 league games, before that 3 of the 4 goals against Leicester came via defensive errors from set pieces so the side isn't opening teams up as it did at the start of the season.
On their travels against sides currently in the top half of the table United have netted just once in 2 games. With this being Mourinho's first game against Chelsea since leaving last year I expect he will repeat the tactics at Liverpool and took to avoid defeat primarily.
Betting Verdict
Sunday's game looks a mouthwatering match between 2 sides in transition with fans of both expecting bigger things to come. Of the 2 teams I feel Chelsea are more likely to win, they have had a whole week to prepare with 8 days between games whilst United played just 48 hours before in the Europa League.
With rested midweek players returning to the side on the pitch there shouldn't be fitness issues for United. But in terms of preparation Conte's side should have a slight edge over Mourinho's United given they have worked primarily on this game all week. The Blues are also at home which gives them a slight edge but I don't see Chelsea winning this game without conceding along the way.
1-1 looks the most likely result here and I wouldn't put anyone off Both teams to score either. I will sit on the fence and back a draw, I don't think United will win this game given the lack of preparation and Mourinho's mindset away at big teams.
Chelsea have it in them to beat United and their system now isn't the system that Jose left them with. Hazard and Costa are in good form and they need to be if Chelsea are to win but I see these sides cancelling each other out over 90 minutes.
Conte has lost to Arsenal and Liverpool already, to lose to another top 4 rival would set Chelsea back at least mentally especially with 2 of the 3 being at home. If it's 0-0/1-1 entering the 75th minute I don't see either looking to win this game and as a result the draw looks the best value to me.
Good Luck
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United
