Chelsea vs Manchester United – betting preview

By The Gaffer on October 27, 2012

Chelsea are top of the Premier League, while Manchester United have been in fine form as well. Shall we bombard you with unnecessary statistics that will provide little insight? Let’s not do that. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the big game.

How have Manchester Chelsea scored/conceded in recent matches?

As the gents at WAGNH discussed, Di Matteo’s attacking trio provide risk, as well as reward, in abundance. Chelsea’s flattering 4-0 over FC Nordsjaelland early in October provides little insight into the Chelsea strengths/weaknesses. Two four-g0al hauls vs Norwich and Spurs respectively earned plaudits by the bucketload, but noteworthy defensive lapses in both matches.

Grant Holt capitalized on a sluggish Chelsea start, but Di Matteo’s blushes were spared within the first half hour following goals from Torres, Lampard and Hazard virtually putting the game to bed. A header from Torres, a trademark edge-of-the-box Lampard strike, and an incisive Mata through-ball finished smartly by Hazard made light work of the East Anglia side. Ivanovic powered Chelsea to their fourth of the afternoon but it was intricate passing and clever finishing that helped Chelsea.

Spurs offered an entirely different test for Chelsea. Pace, width, and tricky wingers. Instead, Gareth Bale missed out due to personal reasons while the Blues breathed a huge sigh of relief. Gary Cahill powered his second Premier League goal while Chelsea confounded to defensive errors early in the second half. Goals from William Gallas and a fortuitous one from Defoe gifted Spurs the 2-1 advantage. Chelsea fought back to win 4-2, but Rooney, van Persie and co will exploit the holes in front of Petr Cech.

Manchester United have been atypically woeful in defence at times this season. Partially due to injuries, but poor nonetheless. Since the defeat at Old Trafford at the hands of Spurs, where pace and counter-attacking prevailed for Andre Villas-Boas’ side, Manchester United have one clean sheet. In their last two matches – both at home – to Stoke and Braga respectively, Manchester United have conceded first. Defense is, as has been widely reported, a crucial facet of this encounter with Chelsea.

Manchester United have been in scintillating attacking form this season. Mainly due to the impact of summer signing Robin Van Persie, Stretty News discussed his impact here. Scoring 21 goals in their first eight matches despite two losses with van Persie contributing six goals already this season – his highest tally at the start of any Premier League campaign. Particularly interesting is that Manchester United have recovered more points from losing positions than any other team in the Premier League this season (12). That typical United spirit, but it’s a dangerous precedent – conceding the first in eight of their 12 matches in all competitions is poor.

Form

7 – Manchester United have scored at least 2 goals in their last 7 Premier League matches.

3 – Chelsea have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 Premier League matches

Prediction

Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United

Goals, drama, and defensive errors. Manchester United – especially Rio Ferdinand – will be prone to the pace of the Chelsea forwards while the Champions of Europe will be wary of the free-roaming Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

What’s your prediction?

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