- Manchester United face Chelsea tonight
- Paul Merson predicts the result
- A defeat would be disastrous
Paul Merson reckons Manchester United are in for a difficult night when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Reds are wounded after a 2-1 home loss to Leeds United on Monday.
Michael Carrick’s men failed to capitalise on most of their top-five rivals dropping points last weekend. It means they sit third, seven points above their opponents, who are sixth, ahead of tonight’s clash.
United are without three defenders for the game, with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez suspended. Leny Yoro is sidelined and there are concerns that the French centre-back could miss the rest of the season.
Chelsea vs Man Utd: Merson Predicts
United secured a 2-1 win over Chelsea in the reverse fixture in a very strange affair. Robert Sanchez was sent off for the visitors while Casemiro was handed his marching orders for the hosts.
Disciplinary problems have taken hold for both teams this season but Liam Rosenior is set to recall Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine has missed his side’s last two games due to a club suspension for putting the feelers out to Real Madrid over a summer transfer.
Merson reckons United will view this game as a “must not lose” and Chelsea will be thinking they must win. He wrote in his Sportskeeda column:
“Chelsea were atrocious of the highest level in the second half against Manchester City. Luckily for them, they now face Manchester United, who were also terrible in the loss to Leeds!”
He added:
“This is a must-not-lose game for United and a must-win game for Chelsea. After this, Chelsea face Brighton away, Nottingham Forest at home, Liverpool away, Spurs at home and Sunderland away. If they lose this game, I don’t see them playing Champions League football next season.“
Merson seemed to make his prediction on the basis of Kobbie Mainoo missing out. The good news is that the English midfielder is available and has been named in Carrick’s squad.
The Arsenal icon thinks the Reds will leave west London empty-handed:
“Chelsea could be ninth in the league by the end of the week, if they don’t win this game. I actually think they can trouble United. Backing Chelsea to get a win!”
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Man United
Must Not Lose
A defeat would be a nightmare for Carrick because his ambitions of landing the managerial job permanently rest on Champions League qualification. His Reds have a top-five finish in their hands but will lose control with a loss.
Aston Villa are neck-and-neck with United, currently fourth on the same points but with an inferior goal difference. Unai Emery’s men are in action tomorrow when they face Sunderland at home.
Liverpool can are in fifth and face Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday. If Carrick’s side are defeated, that opens the door for Arne Slot’s men to move level on points.
