Ruud van Nistelrooy leads Manchester United as they take center stage in this weekend’s Premier League on Sunday afternoon, facing off against their long-time rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford. The two big English teams had very different results in the EFL Cup this week. The Red Devils crushed Leicester City 5-2, while the Blues were knocked out by Newcastle United.
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Match Details
Match: Manchester United vs Chelsea
Date & Time: Sunday, November 3, 2024: 4:30 pm GMT / 11:30 ET
Stadium: Old Trafford
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Preview
While the decision-makers at Old Trafford finalize Ruben Amorim’s managerial contract, former Red Devils star Van Nistelrooy aims to replicate Wednesday’s EFL Cup victory over Leicester against another team wearing blue this time. With only eight goals in their nine Premier League matches this season, Manchester United is among five teams that haven’t reached the 10-goal mark yet. The other teams are Crystal Palace and Southampton. However, Wednesday’s impressive five-goal display gives fans hope for a turnaround in their attacking play.
Chelsea have been scoring goals easily with their new Head Coach Enzo Maresca. Cole Palmer played a key role, showing his skill with a sharp finish that secured the win against Newcastle United last weekend. Maresca switched up his entire lineup for the midweek clash against the Magpies in the EFL Cup. Unfortunately, his backup team couldn’t match the success of the starters, falling behind after Alexander Isak scored first and a funny own goal from Axel Disasi sealed their fate.
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Team News
Man United’s injury situation remains unchanged. Antony (ankle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Harry Maguire (calf), Mason Mount (knock), Luke Shaw (calf), Leny Yoro (foot), and Kobbie Mainoo (thigh) will all miss the game on Sunday. Van Nistelrooy faced a tough setback just before the match against Leicester, as Christian Eriksen had to withdraw from the squad due to an unknown issue. His availability for the upcoming game against Chelsea remains uncertain.
The Chelsea medical team is currently focused on just one player. Young talent Omari Kellyman is sidelined due to a hamstring issue, and there’s no update on when he might be back. Maresca hasn’t started Jadon Sancho in recent weeks, but now the Red Devils loanee can’t play against his parent club.
This means Pedro Neto is likely to take his place on the left again. Neto’s comeback is expected to be part of a complete overhaul, with Maresca likely making 11 changes after the disappointing performance midweek. Enzo Fernandez faced heavy criticism from both fans and analysts, so Romeo Lavia is set to team up with Moises Caicedo in the midfield at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Possible Starting Lineups
Manchester United: Onana (GK), Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
Chelsea: Sanchez (GK), James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Prediction
Chelsea struggled at St James’ Park, but Maresca’s strongest squad is expected to be more aggressive than the second team at Old Trafford. Van Nistelrooy won’t be able to solve Manchester United’s defensive issues right away. Wednesday showed that the hosts have found new energy in their attack. We expect that Sunday’s big match will meet the hype, likely resulting in a high-scoring draw. Our prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Chelsea
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