Chelsea vs Manchester United tips and predictions: Chelsea to return to winning ways against lacklustre United?

Chelsea state of play

Across the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, Chelsea were immersed in the Premier League title race. However, Enzo Maresca’s bright start soon faded as inconsistency began to set in.

Before the listless 2-0 loss at Newcastle, though, Chelsea were on a five-game winning run across all competitions. Form has improved, with the defeat at St James’ Park only their first league loss in eight games. 

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Still, it was despair at full-time in a crucial encounter for the Champions League qualification chasers. Now, Europa League finalists Manchester United await at home, plus a potentially decisive visit to fellow contenders Nottingham Forest on the final day.

With the Red Devils heading to Stamford Bridge, the West London side will be desperate to continue their unbeaten home form since the turn of the year and boost their chances of returning to a competition they won in 2021. 

Manchester United state of play

Manchester United’s exploits in Europe have offered some much-needed respite from their domestic struggles in what has been a Premier League campaign to forget.

Now, another domestic distraction awaits in the capital, as United appear to be placing all their eggs in a Europa League-shaped basket.

Which version of Manchester United will show up is hard to predict, especially as rotation is expected with their eyes fixed on the final in Bilbao. 

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This is officially their worst season of the Premier League era, as they sit 16th in the table after suffering a staggering 17 defeats. 

United might have nothing left to play for in the competition, but they’ll surely want to record their first league triumph in seven games (D2 L5) to build some momentum heading into the Europa League final. 

Key talking point: Cole Palmer to lead the charge?

Since ending a 19-match goalless drought with a trademark penalty against newly-crowned champions Liverpool, Cole Palmer looks to have his mojo back. 

The trip to Newcastle didn’t go to plan, but Palmer inspired a Chelsea revival in the second half after being deployed as a false nine following Nicolas Jackson’s dismissal. 

If Chelsea are to secure their spot in the Champions League, he will almost certainly need to be at his very best. 

The Blues have scored 9 goals in their last 5 matches, with Palmer ranked second in terms of big chances created this season (21).

He could get some joy against a fragile defensive unit and produce a game-changing moment or two against a side that has conceded 1.5 goals per match (via FotMob). 

With Nicolas Jackson banned, the stage is set for Cole Palmer to deliver in this season-defining clash for Chelsea. 

FIRST’s top tip for Chelsea vs Manchester United  

While I expect Chelsea to win the game, it could be a tight encounter with only one goal deciding it at Stamford Bridge, especially with Nicolas Jackson missing.

Chelsea to win and under 1.5 goals - 15/2 (Betway)

Extra tips 

Cole Palmer could easily produce a moment of magic. Backing the Chelsea star to fire the Blues to victory is enticing here.  

Chelsea to win and Cole Palmer to score - 11/8 (BetMGM)

In recent weeks, Pedro Neto has contributed to Chelsea’s improved form. The Portuguese wide man could thrive against a vulnerable United defence. 

Pedro Neto to score anytime - 27/10 (BetMGM)

Team news

For Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson will miss the rest of the season after being sent off at Newcastle, while Christopher Nkunku and Reece James are doubts. 

Wesley Fofana is also still missing with a muscle injury. Additionally, Jadon Sancho is unable to feature against his parent club. 

As for Manchester United, Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee won’t play again this season, while Diogo Dalot and Ayden Heaven remain injured. 

Leny Yoro could also be unavailable after being forced off with a foot injury in the defeat to West Ham. However, Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Collyer could return for the clash at Stamford Bridge. 

Chelsea vs Manchester United predicted line-ups: 

Chelsea: Sanchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez, Palmer, Madueke, George; Neto (4-2-3-1)

Manchester United: Onana; Lindelof, Maguire, de Ligt; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mount, Garnacho; Hojlund (3-4-2-1)

Form guide (all competitions) 

Chelsea: DWDLWWWWWL

Manchester United: DWWLDDLWLL

Odds correct at the time of writing.