Live

LIVE: OTB Weekend

02:00 PM-07:00 PM

LIVE: OTB Weekend
Advertisement

Sport

John Duggan's football tip of the week | Chelsea can give United the Blues

Every week, John Duggan brings you a preview and investment advice for the top football matches i...



Every week, John Duggan brings you a preview and investment advice for the top football matches in association with Paddy Power...

Profit this season currently stands at 12% to a level stake, with 5 winners from 11 bet recommendations. 

There was a time in the Jose Mourinho / Alex Ferguson era that Chelsea versus Manchester United was the top draw in English football; the clubs won every Premier League crown between them from 2005 and 2011.

There was as well the dramatic Champions League final between the sides in 2008, won by United on penalties in the Moscow rain.

In 2021, United are trying to rediscover past glories under playing hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while the Pensioners are still wedded to a revolving door of managers - Thomas Tuchel is the latest occupant of the hot seat.

Chelsea are in their honeymoon phase under Tuchel; all the writing this week has been of an elite manager that is making an early impact - stories of technical assurance, good communication and a hands on style with a group of talented players leading to decent results.

The London side are unbeaten in eight matches under the intense German, scoring 10 goals and only conceding two. The calibre of their opposition hasn't been stellar, but the win over Atletico Madrid during the week was impressive.

Chelsea have a squad of very good footballers and Tuchel has hit the ground running in getting a better tune out of them than Frank Lampard did.

Not long ago, United were in the conversation as title contenders, but their neighbours Manchester City then pressed the turbo boost button and are quickly out of sight.

So from a position where they were chasing, United are now being chased for a top four spot and Solskjaer will be hoping that is secured alongside a trophy; whether it's the Europa League or the FA Cup.

United go to Stamford Bridge without Paul Pogba, while Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay are doubts.

The Red Devils have only lost once in 19 Premier League games, but that defeat at home to Sheffield United last month arguably arrested their title momentum and a fortnight ago they could only draw at West Brom.

To me, they still have inconsistencies, yes, less than before, but I am still not convinced they are the finished product.

It's all about Bruno Fernandes, and if Chelsea can keep him quiet, then they could edge it.

I am backing Chelsea to continue their honeymoon period under Tuchel and make a Super Sunday statement.

Football recommendation: Chelsea to beat Manchester United in the Premier League - 23/20

Good luck!

Please gamble responsibly. For more information on responsible gambling, visit Gamblingcare.ie

Football on Off The Ball with Paddy Power – new normal? Same old football. Visit PaddyPower.com to get the latest on the Acca-Cracker Free Bet.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.