Manchester United, Chelsea clash at Old Trafford
Two faltering titans of the English game meet in a midweek Old Trafford encounter on Wednesday night, as Manchester United and Chelsea renew hostilities in a mouthwatering Premier League affair. The Red Devils’ woes continued in a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United over the weekend, while Mauricio Pochettino‘s men restored a sense of blue pride by seeing off Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2.
Chelsea have now amassed a striking 12 goals from their last four Premier League fixtures, albeit while shipping 11 at the other end of the field, and the Blues posted three straight wins in Premier League away games before their 4-1 humbling at the hands of Newcastle last month.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount may have expected a frosty reception from the travelling fans, but it is still unclear whether the Englishman will be involved against his erstwhile employers, having only just returned to training from a calf problem.
For all of Man United’s perpetual struggles in the attacking third, Ten Hag’s side are seldom torn to shreds at the back, and one never truly knows what to expect from Pochettino’s Chelsea charges.
Goals are virtually a guarantee at both ends when the Blues step out onto the field, and such a theme should continue at Old Trafford, but we simply cannot pick a clear winner and expect a return to drawing ways for the two clubs this week.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City travel to face high-flying Aston Villa
Seeking to avoid a fourth successive game without a win in the Premier League, reigning champions Manchester City travel to Villa Park to test their mettle against a high-flying Aston Villa outfit on Wednesday night.
Only one point separates these two teams in the top-flight table, with the Citizens in third place sitting just ahead of the Lions in fourth spot after 14 matches.
Aston Villa’s four-game winning streak in all competitions was brought to an end last weekend as they came from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Despite the draw, Villa still find themselves in the Champions League position, but defeat on Wednesday against Man City could see them slip down to sixth in the table if both fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and fifth-placed Newcastle United win their next games on Thursday.
For the first time since 2017, Man City have put together a three-game winless run in the Premier League after playing out three successive draws against Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, despite leading in all three fixtures.
No Premier League teams have scored more goals this season than Man City (36) and Aston Villa (33), who are both set to view Wednesday’s intriguing contest as a challenging one in their quest to return to winning ways.
Villa have every right to feel optimistic of success considering their outstanding home form, but if any team are to burst their bubble it could well be Man City.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Sheffield Utd. hope managerial change can spark shock win over Liverpool
Coach Christ Wilder has returned to Sheffield United after Paul Heckingbottom became the first Premier League manager sacked this season.
Bottom club Sheffield United will hope a change in the dugout can spark a shock win over Liverpool.
The Reds head to Yorkshire on Wednesday night hoping to continue a seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, after a late comeback to beat Fulham last time out.
A visit to the Blades could have a considerable extra element to contend with, however.
Paul Hecking bottom was on Tuesday sacked from the Bramall Lane dugout and former manager Chris Wilder‘s return was quickly concerned. Lodged in 20th place while boasting the quietest attack and leakiest defence, United will have thrown Wilder in at the mother of all deep ends if he takes charge in time to face title challengers Liverpool.
Joel Matip is the newest name on Jurgen Klopp’s absentee list after suffering a knee injury. Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are also missing but it would be foolish to predict anything other than a win for the visitors.
Credit: standard.co.uk
Jeffrey Schlupp returns from injury as Crystal Palace host Bournemouth
Jeffrey Schlupp will return to Crystal Palace’s matchday squad on Wednesday after missing the draw away to West Ham because of personal reasons.
After accumulating 11 points from their opening seven Premier League matches, beating Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United in the process, Crystal Palace has since suffered a dip in form and have only picked up five points from their last seven games.
Nevertheless, the Eagles avoided a third consecutive defeat when they rescued a point in a 1-1 draw at West Ham United last weekend.
However, Palace’s recent record against Bournemouth makes for better reading, as they have won each of their last five Premier League meetings with the Cherries, including their last three on home soil by an aggregate score of 8-3, so the Eagles have reason to be optimistic in their quest to claim a win.
Both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth will view Wednesday’s clash as a winnable game and know that three points secured an Selhurst Park would provide them with a much-needed confidence boost ahead of next weekend’s challenging matches against Liverpool and Man United respectively.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
