Chelsea v Man Utd Tip

Sunday’s main event looks like it may just fall at a good time for the defending champions. Man Utd have had more injury problems than any of their primary title contenders but there will be a few pivotal figures back and raring to go at Stamford Bridge. Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Nani are fit, while Tom Cleverley is available for the first time since October. They should carry a goal threat if nothing else.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have history on their side - unbeaten against Man Utd at home in nearly a decade of league games - but little else. The absence of John Terry with a knee injury and Ashley Cole through suspension may be decisive. It’s an incredibly big ask of Gary Cahill to marshall the defence on his debut against such high calibre opponents.

There is nothing Sir Alex Ferguson loves more than a title race heating up as it now is with neighbours City. Level at points at the start of the weekend, the Red Devils historically find a little extra at this stage of the campaign. They won’t want to give an inch and three points in west London will send out a clear message.

However, with the jittery David de Gea back in goal, and without Nemanja Vidic it becomes harder to envisage a United clean sheet. I do think they will have enough going the other way though; a scoreline prediction of 2-1 to United at best odds of 11/1 (Betfred) therefore looks like great value.