Man Utd v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Red Devils will hope to extend a 12-match unbeaten run at Old Trafford vs the Blues in the league. However, since Ruben Amorim took over, no club has accrued fewer league points from United.

Match: Man Utd vs Chelsea
When: Saturday, 20 September 2025

Man Utd Form

United’s form is dire. They ended last term with one win in nine league matches and lost 1-0 to Tottenham in the Europa League final. This season saw a strong opening day display against Arsenal (22-9 on shots) but a 1-0 defeat at home.

After a 1-1 draw away at Fulham, United gave an awful display to draw 2-2 vs League Two Grimsby Town before a loss on penalties. A 3-2 win over Burnley needed a 97th-minute penalty as they had 26 shots and 3.63 xG vs the Clarets. Last weekend, United lost 3-0 to Man City despite a spate of clear, late chances to cut the deficit.

Man Utd Team News

United have one confirmed absentee is Lisandro Martinez. Three other players are major doubts for this match, in Mason Mount, Diogo Dalot and Matheus Cunha.

Ruben Amorim is under pressure and may consider some changes to his XI. Harry Maguire could come into the back three. Amad Diallo is an option to move to right wingback with Bruno Fernandes moving forward into the front three.

Man Utd Motivation

The Red Devils need a win here. However, this is a must-not-lose for Ruben Amorim or pressure will really ramp up.

United have created plenty of chances this season but they’ve also allowed amongst the highest xG against. They will have to attack the Blues as their defence can’t be relied upon.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have made a mixed start to this season after winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup trophies last season. This season began with a tired-looking 0-0 draw at home vs Crystal Palace.

They bounced back to thrash West Ham 5-1 away before some VAR help to beat Fulham 2-0 at home. Last weekend, the Blues paid for heavy rotation as they conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 at Brentford. In midweek, they were outplayed by Bayern Munich in a 3-1 defeat in Germany.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea are without Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile in defence. Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are absent in midfield.

Liam Delap will play no part in attack due to a hamstring injury. Willian Estavao is pushing to start down the right whilst Alejandro Garnacho is in contention to start against his former club.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea need a response to their two poor results in the last week. They will be motivated to try to win at Old Trafford.

A positive approach is expected. The Blues will try to control the game but need to guard against United’s fast breaks.

Key Stats

• Man Utd are unbeaten in 12 home EPL matches vs Chelsea
• Man Utd have taken just 31 points from 31 EPL matches under Amorim
• Man Utd have won 2 of their last 3 home PL matches (2 home wins in 11 before that)
• Chelsea have won 16 of their last 21 matches
• Chelsea have kept 8 clean sheets in their last 14 matches
• Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has 5 goals in 7 starts

Verdict

Despite United’s poor form, they tend to play well against Chelsea. A draw looks like great value in this match.

Featured Bet: Draw at 3.60
Alternate Bet: Man Utd win/draw double chance + Over 2.5 goals at 2.70
Goal scorer Tip: Joao Pedro to score anytime at 2.95