'They will win': Chris Sutton makes Premier League prediction for Man Utd vs Chelsea
BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has stated his prediction for the upcoming Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils suffered their fourth defeat of the league campaign at West Ham United last weekend. The Hammers won the game with a controversial penalty in stoppage time.
The result paved the way for Erik ten Hag’s exit from the Red Devils and the club are now under temporary charge of Ruud van Nistelrooy until the next international break.
Ahead of Sunday’s league showdown with Chelsea, Sutton said that the Blues will be well-rested and could be the superior team when they make the visit to Old Trafford.
However, he has predicted a 1-1 draw as United could benefit from an open attacking game.
He told BBC Sport: “The Chelsea players will be well-rested because their team that lost to Newcastle in the same competition on Wednesday was totally different to the side that beat the Magpies in the league on Sunday.
“But Newcastle did create chances against them last weekend and, when I saw Chelsea against Liverpool recently, they were brave at Anfield too.
“I see Chelsea as being the superior team here and my head tells me they will win, but if they are quite open again at Old Trafford then that could suit Manchester United and let them get something.”
United picked up a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night.
Van Nistelrooy made four changes from the defeat to the Hammers. The victory should boost the morale, but the players will face a sterner opposition compared to the Foxes, who rested key players.
The game is a must-win for the Red Devils, considering they are seven points adrift of the Champions League places and can’t avoid losing further ground after just 10 games into the season.
United have a sensational home league record against the Blues with their last defeat coming in 2013. The club’s faithful will be hoping for a good showing with three points at the weekend.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com