Man Utd vs Chelsea Odds - Chelsea capitalizes on woeful United defense
Chelsea and Manchester United have dominated sportsbook odds in England for the last few years, and Sunday’s tilt between the Premiership giants should be a major factor in deciding who wins the league. United have had some troubles defensively as of late, especially by their center-backs, and Chelsea’s offense has been on fire, which will be the difference maker.
Man Utd vs Chelsea Odds: Chelsea +115; Man Utd +328; Draw +242
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Man Utd vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
United trail Chelsea by two points in the Premiership standings, and these two are likely to battle for the title all year long. Between the two, they’ve won the last five Premiership titles. There isn’t a lot between these two at all. Betting Edge: Draw
Man Utd vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: Offense
United’s attack is spearheaded by Wayne Rooney, who recently had his first child, so he’s looking for a chance to celebrate his birth with a goal. However, he may be plowing on by himself as Dimitar Berbatov, who has played very well as of late, and Ryan Giggs are both injury doubts for this match. Still, Rooney inspired a comeback in a 3-3 tie against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday, and he’ll be the man of interest for Chelsea’s defenders. Chelsea have scored at least two goals in their last five overall matches, and Didier Drogba notched a pair after returning from his Champions League suspension in a 2-2 draw at Atletico Madrid. They’re second in the league in goals behind Arsenal, and along with Drogba and strike partner Nicolas Anelka, the Blues also get goals from midfielders Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard, who is coming on recently. Betting Edge: Chelsea
Man Utd vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: Defense
If United’s online sports betting chances drop, it’ll be due to a defense that has been decimated by injury, which has led to poor form. Rio Ferdinand may not be a first-choice defender for England anymore after the last month or so, and Nemanja Vidic was sent off in United’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool, while Gary Neville is suspended. The return of Edwin van der Sar has improved the goalkeeper situation, but with a shaky back four, he could have his work cut out for him. Chelsea leads the league in goals allowed, and they have more than enough depth to deal with the injury to fullback Jose Bosingwa. Michael Essien is a monster as a defensive midfielder, breaking up attacks with tough tackles, while Petr Cech may have regained his spot as the best keeper in England. Betting Edge: Chelsea
Man Utd vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Berbatov (knee), Giggs (knee), Vidic (calf) and Ferdinand (calf/back) are rushing to get fit for this massive clash, while Park Ji-Sung (knee) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) still haven’t returned to the team. For Chelsea, Bosingwa (knee) is definitely out, and Jon Obi Mikel (ankle) hasn’t played since late September. Betting Edge: Chelsea +115
Man Utd vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: Totals
Seven of the last 10 between these two have gone under the posted total, but due to United’s problems at the back, Chelsea could be able to run wild at Stamford Bridge. Also, last year’s 3-0 loss at Old Trafford probably didn’t sit too well with Chelsea, so revenge may be a factor. Pick: OVER 2.5
Man Utd vs Chelsea betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
These two have each won three and drawn four of their last 10 meetings, Chelsea definitely has the upper hand here. They’ve allowed one goal in the Premiership at home, while averaging three goals a game. United has struggled away from Old Trafford, and the problems at the back haven’t helped. United will put up a good fight and probably snatch a goal, but their defense is in shambles. TODD’S PICK: Chelsea
For more sports betting odds and props throughout the soccer season as we head towards the World Cup, visit our renowned offshore sportsbook at BetOnline.com. Todd Shale contributes soccer analysis to BetOnline.com.
