Date of Tips: 15/09/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (15:03 15/09/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Manchester United FC
v Chelsea FC
Old Trafford
Premier League Matchday 5
20-09-2025 16:30
Man United Form
Chelsea Form
Date: 20/09/25
Kick-off time: 17:30
Venue: Old Trafford
A huge fixture under the lights at Old Trafford Saturday evening. Man United are desperate to turn things around after a rough start, while Chelsea arrive with that mix of promise and unpredictability they’ve carried all season. You can feel the tension already, right?
United’s injury list has been a headache for weeks. Luke Shaw is still sidelined, and Lisandro Martínez remains a doubt after picking up a knock. Rasmus Højlund has been nursing a minor muscle problem but should be fit enough to start. The good news? Bruno Fernandes is available and will look to spark some creativity in midfield.
Chelsea have their own concerns. Christopher Nkunku is still working his way back to full fitness, while Reece James is unlikely to feature after another setback. Enzo Fernández returned from European duty a little banged up, but he’s expected to start. Expect Nicolas Jackson to lead the line, with Cole Palmer drifting inside to cause problems.
Man United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Højlund.
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernández; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Jackson.
Here’s the truth: United have looked flat. They were brushed aside 3-0 by City last weekend, and their attack has been toothless. Even the three-goal win at Burnley wasn’t as convincing as it sounds, with a penalty boosting their numbers. Old Trafford used to be a fortress, but lately, it feels like visiting sides have little to fear.
The positive? United’s record against Chelsea at home is strong. They haven’t lost to the Blues at Old Trafford in 11 league meetings. That’s a serious psychological edge.
Chelsea are a different story. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance – especially in the second halves of games – but they keep dropping silly points. Against Brentford, they barely created anything before halftime, then exploded into life after the break. The problem? They still let a late equalizer slip through.
Away from home, Chelsea have been second-half specialists. In fact, 34 of their last 37 away league games have seen at least one goal scored after the break. That’s no coincidence. They tend to grow into matches.
Here’s what I think: this game is going to be all about the second half. United usually defend better in the opening stages, while Chelsea crank it up after the interval.
So, how do I see it playing out? United start cautiously, Chelsea find their feet after the break, and we end up with an open second half. I’m leaning towards a draw, but if one team nicks it, Chelsea look the likelier side to do so.
Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.
Both teams have enough attacking talent to score, but also enough flaws at the back to concede. United’s home record against Chelsea keeps them in it, while Chelsea’s second-half spark should ensure they don’t leave empty-handed.
Correct Score Prediction: Man United 1-1 Chelsea. Bet with bet365.
If you’re looking at goal totals, the safe play is Over 2.5 Goals. Both teams have looked leaky at the back, and the trends point towards goals in the second half. If you want to push it, Over 3.5 Goals is worth a cheeky look.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Alright, if you’re building a bet for this one, here’s a combo that makes sense:
That feels like the kind of game we’ll get at Old Trafford – cagey first half, chaos after halftime.
Bet Builder Tip: BTTS, Over 2.5 Goals, Cole Palmer to Score, Second Half Most Goals. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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It’s tight, but the stats lean towards a draw. United’s home record against Chelsea is strong, while Chelsea look more dangerous late in games.
A 1-1 draw looks the most likely outcome. Both teams scoring in the second half wouldn’t surprise anyone.
For United, Bruno Fernandes will pull the strings. For Chelsea, Cole Palmer’s movement and creativity could be the difference.
Second Half Most Goals, Both Teams to Score, and Over 2.5 Goals stand out.