Game Week 5 Predictions: Chelsea to beat United at Old Trafford

Man United host Chelsea in a crucial Old Trafford clash, with Amorim under pressure and the Blues seeking redemption after back-to-back setbacks.

Manchester United need a win to uplift the mood at Old Trafford, can they beat Chelsea on Saturday? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs Chelsea

Old Trafford Stadium

5:30pm

Two sides on a different trajectory meet on Saturday at Old Trafford. It’s unfair to the fans coming to the ground who don’t know what to expect from their team. The current reality of Man U fans is worrying; something must change.

Ruben Amorim is always the subject of discussion at Manchester United due to his horrendous record as manager and how stubborn he has been with a strategy that isn’t working; one thing is certain, he will not change his philosophy, but will it eventually work?

In the 3-0 loss to Manchester City at the weekend, you wonder if pushing Bruno Fernandes to the hole left by Manchester City’s forays would benefit Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, but the Portuguese midfielder was left plugging holes in midfield, which ultimately haunted the Red Devils.

For Chelsea, it’s a mix of a lot of things that could have been that didn’t be. They have been poor in the first half of games this season; while they managed to pick up in the opening three games, they have struggled in their last two, with the second of those happening against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Chelsea left it late against Brentford last weekend and then failed to pick their man at the back post, which saw them play out a 2-2 draw. Then they went to the Allianz Arena and lost 3-1; they played well in patches, but schoolboyerrors, including the one Moises Caicedo pulled off in conceding a penalty, ruined their script.

This is a game both sides need for almost the same reason. The Blues cannot afford to allow Liverpool to run away with the title again; it’s an opportunity to gain some points on either or both of Manchester City and Arsenal, who play each other tomorrow at the Emirates. Chelsea needs the entire three points.

United is already closer to the relegation than the top 6 again; with the club not playing any other competition at least until January, they have enough time to prepare for their next game. Sinking further from the top of the log should be a “sackable” offence; they must win here.

Matheus Cunha is back and available for selection, while Mason Mount could return as well, leaving Amorim with options to play the style he wants to play. Can he consider starting a midfield of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandes playing in front of them?

Chelsea has Cole Palmer back to full fitness; two goals in two games could mean something dangerous for United if Chelsea plays to the England playmaker’s strengths. This is a game both sides must go for; it will swing to the side of whoever wants it more.

Verdict: Chelsea to win.