The Erik Ten Hag era in Manchester is officially over. After two and a half seasons at the club, the Dutch manager was sacked earlier this week, leaving United 14th in the Premier League and winless in three Europa League games.

The Man Utd management wasted no time in hiring his replacement. Promising coach Rúben Amorim was announced as the new coach, but will not be in charge for this weekend’s showdown. Interim manager and former United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy will lead the team on Sunday.

In his first Premier League game as manager, Van Nistelrooy faces a tough battle against Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have found their rhythm after a slow start to the season. Their only two defeats this season were against Man City and Liverpool, and they could arguably have secured a point against the Reds in Week 8.

For now, they are a much more organized team than Man Utd. They know the eleven they want to start and the style they want to play. The players know their roles and there is a good vibe in the locker room.

However, playing any team immediately after a coaching change can be difficult. United will be motivated to start the new era on the right foot. The extra intensity they are likely to play with could give Man Utd the boost they need against a better team.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Money line:

Manchester United: +155
Tie: +270
Chelsea: +150

Total goals:

Over 3.5: +115
Less than 3.5: -150

Both teams will score:

Yes: -250
Number: +185

This is certainly difficult to predict due to the special circumstances surrounding Man Utd’s management.

Having watched United all season, it is very difficult to trust them in any matchup, especially one against a solid team. They have been a fragile team prone to making mistakes with an unstable defense.

Offensively, they are struggling to produce, scoring just eight goals in nine games so far. The lack of creativity from their stars such as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford has been extremely disappointing. The duo have one goal and three assists between them in nine Premier League games.

Add in below-average passing and a build-up play from the back that is surprisingly reliant on former best Christian Eriksen, and you have an offensively challenged team.

Despite the change of direction, it is difficult to see United creating many chances against Chelsea. Van Nistelrooy is likely to play a cautious match as he will presumably do well if he draws in his first match.

On the other side of the matchup, Cole Palmer is still on fire and will continue to be Chelsea’s most important player in this big clash. They rely heavily on Palmer for their offensive production and he has had seven goals and five assists in nine games so far. Considering the rest of Chelsea’s front line may struggle to finish, it will be up to Palmer to not only create but also convert chances.

While Chelsea would obviously prefer to get all three points, they probably won’t mind settling for a draw. That could give us a low scoring issue.

Under 3.5 goals at -150 or even under 2.5 goals at +170 are safer bets, but let’s take a chance and draw here.

Choose: Tie +270

Odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

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