“I can’t see anything rather than that” – as Paul Merson predicts ‘strange defeat’ in Chelsea vs Manchester United clash
Chelsea set to welcome Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on match week 13, as the Blues will be eager to continue their winning streaks.
However, the both sides have had contrasting fortunes this season. The Red Devils have suffered from poor form this season, winning just one in their last seven Premier League matches and currently sit in eight place.
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has backed Chelsea to secure a comfortable win over Manchester United when both sides meet for a Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Pundit Merson believes there’ll be only one winner at Stamford Bridge and that will be Thomas Tuchel’s side. Paul Merson is even backing a heavy defeat for Manchester United.
In his prediction, Merson said: “I can’t see anything but a Chelsea win here. They’ll squeeze and dominate the game, and they’ll probably have about 70 per cent of the ball.”
“Manchester United will set up with Ronaldo up front, and he’s not running away from anybody.”
“I’ve seen Manchester United come to Stamford Bridge and win comfortably last season.”
“They need pace on the wings, and they need a player like Cavani to press Chelsea high up the pitch. As it stands, however, I think Chelsea will break them down comfortably.”
“There are a lot of names floating around the club now, and it’s a joke that it’s coming down to an interim manager for Manchester United.”
“They’re not bringing anyone world-class to the club for six months, so they do need someone who knows the club inside out and knows what it means to play for the shirt.”
“Manchester United don’t know what they want at the moment. If Watford hadn’t scored those two late goals last weekend, Ole would’ve still been the manager.”
“They need to get into the top four this season – let’s be honest, they’re not winning the Champions League.”
“Ronaldo will still keep his place in the side under Michael Carrick.”
He went on: “At the start of the season, I mentioned that they were further away from winning the Premier League than they were before he was bought. Now, they’re a million miles away.”
“Manchester United had a plan last season. They worked hard to keep Edinson Cavani at the club, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer chased Jadon Sancho’s signature down for the better part of 18 months. With Ronaldo in the team now, they can’t play the way they want to.”
“United want to play on the counter-attack, but I don’t see Cristiano Ronaldo closing anyone down.”
“They don’t defend up the pitch, and their back four is completely isolated. I don’t think Ronaldo suits the club at the moment.”
“I know he scored against Villarreal – he’s going to score a lot of goals this season. But he’s 36. He’s not the future of Manchester United.”
“Manchester United are struggling at the moment. They’ve got no plan, and they don’t have a manager for the next six months.”
“Their Champions League campaign is papering over the cracks, and whoever draws them in the next round will be more than happy.”
Lastly, Paul Merson Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Manchester United