Fresh from beating Tottenham 2-0 in midweek, Manchester United will aim to continue their progression under Erik ten Hag when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The two sides are separated by a solitary point in the Premier League table, with fourth-place Chelsea leading fifth-place Man Utd.
Thursday session: complete! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/OSICEcHHdP— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 20, 2022
Thursday session: complete! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/OSICEcHHdP
Both teams have won six of their ten league outings this season, so they will be eager to continue their strong form and keep pace with the early frontrunners.
Let’s start by taking a look Saturday’s hosts, Chelsea, who head into Matchday 13 on the back of a goalless draw – despite racking up 67% possession and 14 shots.
The Blues are currently enjoying a five-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, having dispatched West Ham (2-1), Crystal Palace (1-2), Wolves (3-0) and Aston Villa (0-2) before drawing with the Bees.
When you look at the bigger picture, Chelsea have avoided defeat in each of their last 11 home games across all competitions.
Having kept a clean sheet in each of their previous five outings, Graham Potter’s side will be confident of getting the better of Man Utd.
As for the Red Devils, they head into Saturday’s clash on a three-game unbeaten run in the league. After seeing off Everton (2-1), they drew with Newcastle (0-0) before beating Spurs (2-0).
It is also worth noting that Man Utd have lost just one of their past eight Premier League games, sealing six victories in the process.
United have scored at least two goals in each of their previous four away games across all competitions, so they will fancy their chances of hitting the target on Saturday.
That said, they have the worst defensive record in the top eight – meaning they are likely to concede at Stamford Bridge.
Head-to-head: The past four Premier League meetings between Chelsea and Man Utd were low-scoring draws, with two goalless draws and two 1-1 draws coming in that time.
Chelsea have failed to win any of their previous nine league meetings with the Red Devils, although six of those clashes ended all square.
Team news: Chelsea will be without the injured trio of N’Golo Kante, Reece James and Wesley Fofana this weekend. Conor Gallagher is a doubt due to illness.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka remain on Man Utd’s injury list.
Although Man Utd have dominated this fixture in recent years, Chelsea have been given a new lease of life under Potter.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Chelsea will claim all three points on home soil – scoring over 1.5 goals in the process.