Chelsea vs Man United Prediction: Certain to be uncertainty at the Bridge

Chelsea vs Manchester United (Thursday April 4, 20:15) is the kind of contest lapped up by lovers of the English Premier League in every corner of the globe, let alone the faithful assembled in west London on Thursday, and fans of both wherever they're following the action.

The 2024 incarnations of these hugely-famous clubs could carry a Timeform squiggle for me - any amount of individual talent on show, but as to predicting quite what's going down on game day? Answers on a postcard, please. Looking forward to this one - so here's our Chelsea vs Manchester United prediction. Should be a belter.

Given the aristocratic pedigree of these two highly-decorated, Champions League-winning clubs, sitting 12th and sixth in the PL table as I write is hardly where you'd expect to find them. Both remain at the sharp end of the FA Cup, and Chelsea narrowly lost the League Cup final to Liverpool in February, but by the metric that really counts it's not quite happening for either.

A place in the Champions League of course hangs upon the consistency shown, or otherwise, over those 38 games. It's certainly not for the want of some extremely talented players, as I've alluded to already - but knowing which version of either will show up on any given day is a conundrum that's vexed many since August.

Match Odds

Ahead of hostilities starting in earnest, we go EVS Chelsea, Draw 3/1, Manchester United 23/20

Team News

I understand Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelöf won't make it for the visitors, but that Mason Mount could be in line for a start after scoring at Brentford the other day. Raphael Varane was withdrawn at half-time as a precaution at the Gtech Community Stadium, and is a doubt.

19-year-old Willy Kambwala could feature then at the heart of the defence, alongside Harry Maguire.

For Chelsea, details of their long-term wounded would fill these columns, sadly, but of those featuring mercifully more regularly there are conflicting reports about whether Ben Chilwell's likely to make it or not.

Similar remarks apply to Malo Gusto, while vastly-experienced central defender Thiago Silva could play.

Draw @ 3/1

I'm drawn (sorry) to this potential outcome on several levels, not least of which is the price. For me, it's value. Two inconsistent teams carrying lots of attacking menace, but that have conceded 87 goals between them this PL campaign.

Both are smarting from very ordinary draws last time out - United at Brentford, and a trifle fortunate at that, and Chelsea at home to battling Burnley, reduced to ten-men for half the match. For me, the contest reeks quite beautifully of 'anything can happen,' and it probably will.

It would be a very brave soul who would assert with great confidence that they were certain as to how the game will develop. Any number of intelligent, cogent arguments can be made, of course, and we'll all have our view. But a table-thumping, definitive, this is what's going to happen analysis? This is football, my friend. One reason why we love it so dearly.

I suppose I'm sitting on the fence, but the view's pretty good when you consider some of the attacking players on show who will be looking to hurt their opponent. Chelsea have relied heavily on Cole Palmer this campaign, and he's not let them down. 13 league goals for the 21-year-old, and a host of accomplished if slightly showy displays. The lad's not short of confidence.

Many moons ago a young maverick who I think of a great deal when watching Palmer left Manchester City, then at Maine Road, eventually embracing the bright lights of London, and opportunity. He couldn't break through consistently into the side of Bell, Lee, Summerbee, Young and company, so the late, great Stanley Bowles charted a different course.

Palmer isn't, I believe. flattered by the comparison. Left pegs to make you weep. A dip of the shoulder. Deadly in front of goal.

For United, after a slow start acclimatising to his new surroundings Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund has found the net on seven occasions, and shows undoubted promise. In a more consistently cohesive unit there's plenty more to come from him.

Lest we forget, it's only a couple of weeks by the way since Utd lowered Liverpool's colours in the FA Cup. I've not noticed their bitter rivals losing too many of late, and presently head the PL table.

For me these two giants of our game can provide an intriguing, topsy-turvy score-draw, though of course a 0-0 would see us in clover too, considering this element in isolation. I'm happy to take the 3/1, and hope to be royally entertained.

Last team to score, Man Utd @ 6/5

I can see Chelsea making the running on Thursday night. They're at the Bridge. They'll be desperate to get the Burnley taste out of their mouths, and put on a show for their supporters. A big club are visiting. One that demands attention. Extra swagger from Palmer. Added incentive for the likes of Raheem Sterling, if he features. A big scalp to bag.

And yet - United could need to weather a few storms, sure, but they have options going forward of their own. Bruno Fernandes will be prompting, probing, haranguing; Marcus Rashford would love nothing better that to shine in the capital on a big midweek stage; while the sensational (and I don't use the term lightly) Kobbie Mainoo has another high-profile opportunity to show his undoubted quality.

The guy won't be 19 until later this month, and already looks a seasoned international after one start, and a previous substitute appearance. He's the real deal. So - can United chase down this game should they find themselves behind? Yes, in my book. Will there be goals? Again, in my view, yes. We're taking United at 23/20, an implied possibility of 46.5%, that they'll score last.

Should of course the draw theory go up in smoke, we've still got a stand-alone bet that United nab the last score. On a night where I believe little can be taken as read or remotely for granted I'm happy, that to modest stakes, I've got myself a couple of realistic bets to enjoy whilst watching the action.

Looking forward to this one immensely.

Football betting tips from Betfred Insights.