Gary Neville and Paul Scholes foresee a high-scoring draw between Chelsea and Manchester United. Can the Red Devils finally break their Stamford Bridge curse?
Manchester United’s return to action on Monday night didn’t go to plan, as rivals Leeds United pulled off an impressive 2–1 victory at Old Trafford.
It was United’s first competitive match in 24 days, with Michael Carrick’s side pushing for Champions League qualification, but the defeat leaves them level on points with Aston Villa, sitting third and fourth in the Premier League.
Next, United travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday evening, with both teams battling for a Champions League place. Liam Rosenior’s side come into the game in poor form, having lost four of their last five league matches.
A win for United would see them bounce back immediately and open up a ten-point gap over sixth-placed Chelsea, strengthening their grip on a top-four finish.
Neville and Scholes predict high-goal affair
The last three Premier League clashes between the two sides have produced six goals. Last campaign, the two sides drew 1-1 at Old Trafford, while Chelsea secured a 1-0 win on their home turf.
Earlier in this season, Chelsea fell to a 2-1 loss against United in Manchester after their goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, was sent off early in the tie, denying Bryan Mbeumo a clear goalscoring opportunity.
However, former United players Gary Neville and Paul Scholes have predicted a six-goal thriller for the affair on the latest edition of the Stick to Football podcast.
“I think I’m going to… What do you think, Scholsey, a draw? We think [a] draw,” Neville said.
Scholes responded: “I’m not sure how they’re going to win. I think they’ll draw, though. Big scoring, 3-3.”
Back to Neville, and he concluded: “We’re going to go for a draw. We’re going to go 3-3.”
United need to break tradition vs Chelsea
While both clubs have had a topsy-turvy last half a decade, it's surprising for many to learn that United haven't won at Stamford Bridge for over six years. Their last Premier League victory at the ground was a 2-0 win in Feburary 2020.
The current state of play between the two sides, with both of them chasing Champions League qualification, makes this weekend's clash a six-pointer.
If Carrick's side are able to open up the gap to ten points, this would unlock a huge sense of relief within Old Trafford, but a second loss in a row and a possible third in six games would create a sense of anxiety.
Despite United's poor record at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's current free-falling form gives the Reds the perfect chance to set the record straight, realign themselves, and get back to winning ways.