Chelsea – Man United

Great matchup in the Premier League this Sunday between Chelsea and Manchester United. With a win being mandatory for both sides, this could end up as a very entertaining clash.

Chelsea has faced a lot of criticism this season for their unconvincing play and pragmatic gameplan, but Mourinho`s side is 3rd in the league and will close the gap to Arsenal to just 2 points with a win here. Despite Mourinho playing some ugly and destructive brand of football (especially recently), the hosts have a fantastic offensive line with the likes of Torres, Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Willian or Schurrle and have scored an average of 2 goals per game this season. The quality of the player makes up for the defensive style. Chelsea is in great form with 5 consecutive wins in which they allowed a single goal.

Manchester United is in a really bad spot at the moment. They are out of both english cups and are 7th in the league standings, 14 points away from leaders Arsenal and 6 points behind the last Champions League qualifying spot. Needless to say Moyes’ side needs three points like air in this clash and they can`t afford to play for a draw, despite the strong opponent and playing on the road. United will come here to win. The team is in poor form but won against Swansea (2-0) last time out after three consecutive defeats.

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Team news & lineups

Ivanovic and Lampard are doubtful for Chelsea, while the only definitive absentee is van Ginkel. United will continue to miss Rooney and Van Persie, as well as Jones, Young and Fellaini.

Chelsea: Cech – Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Cole – Luis, Ramiers – Willian, Oscar, Hazard – Torres.

Manchester United: De Gea – Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Evra – Fletcher, Carrick – Valenica, Januzaj, Kagawa – Welbeck.

It will be very hard for United to get something here with their recent form and all the injuries. From this perspective a bet on Chelsea makes sense, but the odds are just too low. With United coming here to attack, I reckon we`ll have a typical british open game, with both sides looking for the win and playing fast paced, goal-oriented football. Of course, Chelsea has an air-tight defense, and United misses Rooney and Van Persie, plus the previous meeting this season ended 0-0 – but still I will go with the over 2.5 goals bet counting more on the style of play than on the individual players – both sides really need the win, so they must go for it and take some risks (even Mourinho with his boring style of play). After all, Chelsea scored at least 2 goals in each of the last 4 games, while United has scored at least once in their last 10 outings. Of course, the very good odds for a bet on goals are one of the reasons for which I will take this pick. My tip here is Chelsea – Manchester United 2-1.

Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.03 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 7.21
Event date: 19 January

Editor Facts

• Rostick has a 24,2% yield in January (7w-5l-1v in tips)