Chelsea vs Manchester United Predictions and Picks: Mudryk Fires Away at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will look to rebound from another disappointing performance when they host Manchester United today at Stamford Bridge. Our Premier League odds have the home side favored to claim all three points.

The blue flag was doing anything but flying high this weekend as Chelsea suffered an abysmal draw to Burnley. Despite leading twice against a 10-man side, they capitulated and finished 2-2 despite having 4.26 xG on 33 shots. European football is still possible for next season, but they're running out of opportunities to make up ground.  

That’s still not as bad as Manchester United’s draw against Brentford at the weekend. The Red Devils were fortunate to even get a point, conceding more than 3.2 xG from 31 shots against a side that had just two wins in their previous 18 matches. Now, they’re yet again dealing with a serious injury crisis in their back line. 

Our Chelsea vs. Manchester United free betting picks for Thursday, April 4 key on one player who has solid odds to test the away team’s goal on at least a couple of occasions.

Chelsea vs Manchester United best odds

EPL predictions for Chelsea vs Manchester United

In the reverse fixture in December, Mykhailo Mudryk started on the left for Chelsea with Cole Palmer playing centrally and Raheem Sterling on the right. That’s important to note because there’s a possibility Mudryk won’t start on Thursday. Palmer’s been operating on the left of late, with Sterling on the left. 

However, given his performance against Burnley, he’s got a strong chance to be in the starting XI. If he is, I’m backing him to get 2+ shots against Manchester United with TonyBet giving us -130 odds.

Their meeting four months ago saw Mudryk attempt three shots on the day, and that was in a match where Chelsea had one of their worst performances of the season — and United one of their best. The Blues were outshot 27-13 on the day despite having 55% of possession.

If recent form is anything to go by, expect those numbers to be flipped on Thursday. Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been facing a shooting gallery of late. Conceding 27 shots to Manchester City is nothing to be ashamed of and he made eight saves in their 3-1 defeat.

But since that match, he’s seen Everton attempt 23 shots and Brentford rack up 31 efforts. While he’s been fortunate that both teams were unable to find the target — they combined to put just 12 of those combined 54 shots on frame — it’s indicative of Manchester United’s cheap turnovers in dangerous positions in addition to their poor resting defensive shape. 

Chelsea’s been firing the past two matches, posting 26 shots against Leicester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals before popping off for 32 attempts this weekend in the draw with Burnley.

With how Man United are giving away possession, Chelsea will find themselves with plenty of chances to run at a Red Devil central defense that will likely have a hobbled Raphael Varane partnered with the pedestrian Harry Maguire.

Mudryk’s pace will allow him to exploit the open spaces on the counter and get into strong shooting positions. He had just 25 touches in the first meeting and still managed to get off three attempts. The forward has also attempted multiple shots in each of his three starts since late February.

If Mudryk doesn't start, I would pivot to Sterling. He’s getting -120 to take 3+ shots and that’s a mark he’s hit in his last two starts — and also one he managed to achieve in just 18 minutes off the bench against Burnley. He’s never seen a shot he didn’t like and his pace will also allow him to get into dangerous positions. 

My best bet: Mykhailo Mudryk 2+ shots (-130 at TonyBet)

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Chelsea vs Manchester United same-game parlay

Mykhailo Mudryk Over 1.5 shots 

Andre Onana Over 3.5 saves 

Chelsea Over 6 corners 

+500 at bet365

Since his return from AFCON, Onana’s made at least three saves in each of his 10 matches across all competitions.

He’s currently on a run of five consecutive matches across all competitions where he’s made at least four saves, allowing just four goals over that span while registering 28 stops. Chelsea should pepper him enough to make another four or more. 

His saves, combined with the numerous shots Manchester United have blocked, have led to an absurd amount of corner kicks for their opponents. They’ve conceded 64 corners over their last six matches, with each opponent having at least eight. Chelsea had four in the first meeting, but we’ll bank on them getting to seven here. 

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Chelsea vs Manchester United side and Over/Under analysis

Chelsea haven’t defeated Manchester United in the Premier League since 2017, but they’re priced at -105 to do just that. The line has moved in their favor over the past few days after being +110. 

Manchester United have won just one of their last 10 trips to the Bridge and are getting +260 to buck that trend. The draw is paying +310 despite five of the last seven meetings ending all square including three straight in all competitions in London.

I’ll be laying a bit on the draw as that price is too tempting to pass up. Both teams will be a threat on the counter-attack and neither side is consistent enough for me to back them.

As for the total, be prepared for some goals. The typical 2.5-goal total is out the window, with the 3.5-goal total being evenly split at -110 apiece. I’ve got this match projected as a 2-2 stalemate, which has me on the Over.

There have been at 3+ goals in six of Chelsea’s last seven league outings and both teams have major absences in their back lines.

Chelsea vs Manchester United game info

Chelsea vs Manchester United key injuries

Chelsea: Malo Gusto D (Questionable), Reece James D (Out), Christopher Nkunku F (Out), Robert Sanchez GK (Out), Ben Chilwell D (Doubtful).
Manchester United: Lisandro Martinez D (Out), Victor Lindelof D (Out), Anthony Martial F (Out), Raphael Varane D (Questionable), Luke Shaw D (Out). 

Chelsea vs Manchester United recent league form

Teams	Recent Premier League Form
Chelsea	D-W-D-D-W
Manchester United	D-W-L-L-W

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