The sportsbook favorites to win the Premiership, Manchester United and Chelsea, sit at the top of the standings as they head into their showdown at Stamford Bridge this weekend. Can United overcome their injury problems in time to close the gap on the league-leading Blues?
Man Utd vs Chelsea
Sunday, November 8
Stamford Bridge, London, England
Kick-Off – 11:00 AM ET
Man Utd
United came back from 3-1 down to tie 3-3 with CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, but this underlines the defensive problems they’ve been having. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, due to a combination of injury and poor form, have been a shell of their former selves, and it would be nice to have the injured Owen Hargreaves in the lineup. Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are also battling injuries, meaning Wayne Rooney may be the only attacking force in the United side.
Chelsea
The Blues drew 2-2 at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, sparked by two goals from Didier Drogba. Chelsea’s strength is that they get goals from midfield as well, as Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack can score as much as some strikers do. Their defense, led as always by captain John Terry, has been amazing, and they’re loaded with depth.
Prediction
Chelsea are the home favorites at +115, while United is rated at +328, and a draw comes in at +242. Chelsea has the edge in this top-of-the-table showdown, and each has won three and drawn four of their last 10 meetings. United has too many injury problems throughout the squad to compete with Chelsea, especially at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues have the depth to pile the pressure on United.
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