Football : English : Premier League
Monday 26th August - Kickoff 8:00pm
Manchester United
Manchester United were given a tough opening day fixture at Swansea at the weekend but they thumped last season's surprise package 1-4. On Monday they host Chelsea and this could be a huge game come the end of the season.
Moyes has to decide whether we wants to play Rooney in this one. I suspect that the doesn't play him given Chelsea's interest and the state of his player. Other doubts remain over Evans, Young, Rafael, Hernandez and Nani and it wouldn't surprise me if we saw the same lineup that started at Swansea for Monday's game.
Against Swansea United had just 46% possession and also gave up 17 shots to their 14. Yet the result was never in doubt as Van Persie was excellent netting a brace as did Wellbeck. Rooney came on in that game and set up 2 goals so going forward United as ever look a strong force.
Chelsea
It has been a good week for Chelsea and returning coach Mourinho. 2 wins from 2 and the Blues are top of the tree ahead of this huge game at Old Trafford.
Chelsea raced to a 2-0 lead over Hull at the weekend and then went into cruise control. Against Villa they once again started excellently taking an early lead only to concede and then labour to a 2-1. Still 6 points from 6 is what the doctor ordered and Chelsea will be confident ahead of their trip up North.
In 2 games so far Chelsea have had 60% ball possession on average which matches up well to United's sub 50% figure at the weekend. They are also averaging 19 shots a game which is a huge figure, Swansea peppered the goal at the Liberty but still lost 1-4 so Chelsea definitely needs a better end product to win this game.
Luiz has missed the first 2 games whilst Mata has been used sparingly himself. Both are in contention to start this game but with plenty of options I expect a very strong looking Chelsea side to take the field.
Betting Verdict
Chelsea have a good record at Old Trafford winning 2 of the last 4 here. Manchester United despite their impressive win at the weekend may be vulnerable in this one. It's Moyes's first home game and up against Mourinho the pressure will be on.
The stats as ever look great for the hosts 14 wins from their last 16 at home in the league but Chelsea won here last season 0-1. Another sign of their strength at home is that in 8 of the last 10 league games United have led at half time and full time.
Chelsea have some nice stats of their own, scoring at least 2 goals in 9 of their last 10 league games overall. It's no shock to then see overs land in 8 of the last 10 away games and I expect an open game on Monday.
I don't like betting on my team in these big games but Chelsea +1/4 ball is my pick. I feel Mourinho has the edge over Moyes, his squad and starting 11 looks stronger plus the Chelsea side is united, we can't say the same for the hosts with the Rooney saga looming. Given the odds I'm happy to take the Blues to avoid defeat first and foremost and hopefully push on to take all 3 points.
Good Luck
The Statistics :
No comments:
Post a Comment