Chelsea vs Man Utd predictions: Red-hot Palmer to deliver again

- Man Utd last kept a clean sheet away from home in the league on December 17
- Cole Palmer has scored four goals in his last three appearances
- Recommended bet: Cole Palmer to score anytime

Two teams enduring below-par seasons clash in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening when Chelsea host Manchester United.

The Red Devils are facing a huge challenge to finish in the top four and failure to pick up all three points in west London could spell the end of their hopes of achieving Champions League football.

A return to Europe's top-tier competition is not in Chelsea's sights, as they sit in the bottom half of the standings, and failure to secure any European football for next season could spell the end of Mauricio Pochettino's reign.

Team news

Lesley Ugochukwu, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Carney Chukwuemeka, Malo Gusto, Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell are all doubts for Chelsea due to their respective injuries.

Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana have both been ruled out for the season.

United are sweating over the fitness of Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane, who both went off at Brentford last time out, while Jonny Evans is still struggling with a minor issue.

Altay Bayindir could be back in the matchday squad after recovering from a muscle problem, but Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial are ruled out.

The stats

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, but they were twice pegged back by 10-man Burnley in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last time out.

The Blues have lost just one of their last eight home matches in the league, scoring 19 goals during this period.

Summer arrival Cole Palmer has netted four times in his last three appearances, leaving him top of his club's scoring charts on 13, while he scored in December's reverse fixture at Old Trafford.

United are without a win in their last two away assignments, going down 3-1 at rivals Manchester City before drawing 1-1 against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Red Devils have conceded in each of their last seven road fixtures in the top flight.

Prediction

It is hard to back either of these two with confidence to pick up the win, given the inconsistencies that have plagued them both, so the better option here is to look at Palmer to score anytime.

The England international has been one of the bright sparks for the Blues this season, notching 13 times and registering eight assists to lead both of these departments for his club.

Palmer has scored four goals in his last three outings and his performances are giving him a serious shot of being included in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the 2024 European Championships.

Having netted against United back in December, expect the 21-year-old to continue his red-hot form in front of goal and put the Red Devils to the sword again.

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