Paul Merson and Michael Owen deliver score predictions for midweek Man Utd clash vs Chelsea

The Red Devils face a crunch clash against the Blues.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Manchester United head into Thursday evening knowing that anything other than a victory over Chelsea could all but end their hopes of securing Champions League qualification this season.

The Red Devils were left with a mountain to climb in the race for the top four after slumping to a 3-1 away defeat against Arsenal last Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That result leaves Ralf Rangnick’s men sixth in the table, six points behind the fourth-placed Gunners, but having played one game more than Mikel Arteta’s side.

For their part, Chelsea travel to Old Trafford off the back of a narrow 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, with Christian Pulisic’s last gasp strike proving too much for the 10-man Hammers.

The Blues are currently third, and look all but assured in their bid for European football.

With so much on the line for United, how will things pan out on Thursday evening?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here’s what the pundits have had to say ahead of tonight’s game...

Paul Merson

Speaking to Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal midfielder said: “Manchester United have capitulated spectacularly this season and are running out of time to save their season. As they prepare to face Chelsea, they know that anything less than a win will do no good to their fading hopes of a top-four finish.

“As I’ve said time and again this season, you never quite know what you’re going to get with Manchester United. To be fair to them, I thought they played well against Arsenal despite losing and if Bruno Fernandes had scored that penalty, they’d have probably gone on to win.

“Cristiano Ronaldo was fantastic in that game and I felt like it was one of his best ever games for Manchester United since rejoining the club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Chelsea, on the other hand, aren’t playing well at all at the moment, but their position in the Premier League top four looks pretty safe at this point in time.

“Manchester United are in a spot of bother and still have a slim chance of securing a UEFA Champions League spot for next season, so they will look to go out there and try to win this game. They have a lot of injuries, though, so I think this game will finish 2-2.”

Michael Owen

The ex-Liverpool striker told BetVictor: “That defeat to Arsenal has all but ended United’s season. I actually thought United played quite well in the game and looked a threat going forward. They conceded some soft goals though, and now I worry how serious the squad will view this game.

“Chelsea had so much of the ball and so many shots against West Ham, but it was a struggle to get the opening goal. They did get a late winner, but Tuchel will want his side to be more ruthless.

“I have to favour Chelsea here. I’m going for a 1-0 win.”