The only match between Big Six clubs on opening weekend will pit Chelsea against Manchester United. Both sides are looking for a return to Champions League glory with a top four finish at the end of the season, but circumstances may be moving against both clubs. Chelsea’s transfer ban has limited the club’s options for getting better over the course of the season, and Manchester United have less talent on the roster than any of the other major clubs in England.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Old Trafford in Manchester, England at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, August 11, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN and Telemundo.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Manchester United +116
Chelsea FC +239
Draw +232
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
The Blues were dealt a serious blow this offseason when Eden Hazard left for Real Madrid. Hazard was instrumental to everything Chelsea, and the hole left behind by his departure is an awfully big one.
Christian Pulisic will be given the unenviable task of replacing a lot of what Hazard contributed to the club. The American wunderkind was signed from Borussia Dortmund before the transfer ban took hold, and the expectations are high. Pulisic has shown plenty of flashes during his time with both Dortmund and the US national team, but this is the first time that he will be leaned heavily on during his young career.
The Red Devils are eager for the transfer window to be shut closed. Multiple clubs have made attempts to acquire star midfielder Paul Pogba, but for now Pogba remains at Old Trafford. He was incredibly misused by Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done his best to salvage the relationship, but it still might not be enough.
Key Injuries
Marco van Ginkel, Antonio Rudiger, and Callum Hudson-Odoi went down with major injuries last season, and they are still rehabbing. Chelsea are hoping that they will be able to return in about a month’s time, but it’s still touch and go at this point. Ruben Loftus-Cheek will miss the first three months of the season due to injury, and Reece James is out for an extended amount of time due to an ankle injury. Willian is questionable to play with a strained hamstring, while N’Golo Kante is probable with a minor knock.
Eric Bertrand Bailly had the misfortune to suffer a major knee injury in the preseason and he will be out until at least Christmas. Timothy Fosu-Mensah is a long-term injury too, while Andreas Pereira and Alexis Sanchez are both questionable. Pogba is listed as probable.
Player to Watch
Signing Harry Maguire was a big boost for United. Maguire has been one of the top center backs in the Premier League for the last few seasons, and he will instantly improve a back line that was surprisingly shoddy during the 2018-19 campaign. United gave up 54 goals (more than they had ever given up in the Premier League before), and his ability to be proactive and attack balls will really benefit the club.
Prop Bet – Chelsea +0.5 -142
I believe Chelsea stand a good chance of getting a result. Although this is a weakened club without Hazard, Kepa is one of the top goalkeepers in the league and the midfield is tenacious in defense. Kante is back in a more familiar role under Frank Lampard, and that will leave him free to consistently break up attacks and win the ball in midfield.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
It’s going to be much harder to score on Chelsea than it was last year, so I like the under and a Chelsea result in a low-scoring match.
English Premier League Odds: Manchester United 1, Chelsea FC 1
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