Chelsea v. Manchester United preview: Both sides in need of a win

Chelsea will look to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Tottenham, and their elimination from the Carabao Cup by Liverpool, when they host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.

United manager Michael Carrick will remain under severe scrutiny, despite receiving the backing of the club’s board of directors.

A poor run of form has left United only one point clear of the relegation zone and has led to players publicly questioning both Carrick’s position, and the club’s hierarchy.

Carrick told reporters that he doesn’t “need assurances from anyone. I totally get the position”

Form Guide:

Chelsea won their first two games after the international break but have been derailed by their 2-0 loss at home to arch-rivals Tottenham last Saturday, and their penalty shootout defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday.

Manchester United meanwhile are winless in eight matches in all competitions and haven’t won any of their six away games so far this season.

The only positive news for United fans is that their side are unbeaten in their last three Premier League away trips, against Everton, Fulham, and Leeds.

Head-to-Head:

Manchester United won both of their league fixtures against Chelsea last season.

This included a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in April, where Matheus Cunha scored a first-half winner against a Chelsea side then managed by Liam Rosenior.

The defeat ended Chelsea’s five game unbeaten run at home against United.

Team News:

Chelsea captain Reece James is recovering from knee surgery, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is unavailable after he suffered a broken jaw during his side’s 2-0 victory over Everton.

Striker Joao Pedro suffered a hamstring injury in training last Friday, while centre-back Maxence Lacroix is a doubt after picking up a similar injury against Liverpool.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has said that, “This is why you build a squad. It’s a situation that can happen and you can need to be looking for solutions, not looking for excuses.”

Manchester United will be without Patrick Dorgu due to a hamstring injury, with fellow left-winger Marcus Rashford also a doubt.

United’s left side will also be hampered by the ongoing absence of left-back Luke Shaw, with striker Benjamin Sesko also recovering from a long-term injury, along with the midfield trio of: Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Noussair Mazraoui.

Predicted Starting 11s:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Mike Penders, Jorrel Hato, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Danny Welbeck.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha.

Match Prediction:

Both of these sides desperately need a win, but on recent form it’s difficult to see either team getting one.

Chelsea have offered more going forward this season but have been derailed by injuries in recent weeks.

United looked dispirited against Bournemouth but do have quality players in their side.

Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United