Manchester United look solid at last

Chelsea and Manchester United were both involved in more high scoring games over the weekend. We’re getting used to seeing high-scoring fixtures this season, and that is immensely pleasing for the neutrals.

Four games in and Man United finally impressed us. They hit four past Newcastle United and fans were happy with a real captain’s performance from Harry Maguire. He endured a rocky start to the season and his red card while on international duty did little to win fans over. Many felt he needed a rest, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stuck by his skipper, who equalized with a strong header in the first half. His response lifted the team and should things remain settled with him, United will start to gel as a defensive unit.

The goalies are the key in Man United v Chelsea

With things going the way they are, we should look forward to more goals and Manchester United will be smart to put pressure on Kepa throughout the game. He looked shaky in Chelsea’s 3-3 draw against Southampton and it was his error that led to the Saints’ second goal. In only three appearances for Chelsea, three errors from Kepa have led to goals.

Edinson Cavani didn’t make the Champions League squad but he is in contention for the Chelsea game and his quality can overwhelm the accident-prone Kepa. Against Newcastle, Manchester United’s much-changed matchday squad managed 25 attempts, with 15 on target. Adding Cavani to the mix against Chelsea will certainly increase United’s potency.

Get Cavani to score on his Manchester United debut at 2.63 or 13/8

Chelsea do have their own answer to Cavani, as Timo Werner grabbed his first Premier League goals over the weekend. The German forward netted a neat brace and provided the assist for Kai Havertz’s late goal too. We previously said he’ll need time to settle, but we’re seeing glimpses of his sharp qualities already.

United thrived in Europe too, with an impressive 2-1 win over PSG in Paris and things are looking good at last for the Red Devils. Chelsea did well to shut shop against Sevilla, with Mendy in goal. Chelsea’s outcome against United hinges on whether Frank Lampard opts for Mendy or Kepa in goal as the difference in defensive form is night and day.

Get Werner to score first at 21/4 or 6.25

Given the nature of this season, comparisons to last term do seem irrelevant. It’s worth remembering, however, that Manchester United crushed Chelsea 4-0 on last season’s curtain-raiser. Daniel James stole the show that day and he looked sharp against Newcastle too. United need to back the win in Tyneside with another this weekend so we’re expecting a solid performance from the Reds.

Chelsea won’t roll over but United’s potency upfront can be too much for Chelsea to handle. Frank Lampard’s team has conceded nine goals in five games, and double figures so early on won’t do their confidence any good.

With that said, we are expecting goals, but perhaps more evenly shared.

Back over 3.5 goals at 31.20 or 2.55

Both Spanish goalkeepers will be under the microscope and it will be their form which will determine the main outcome of the result. United have conceded 12 goals so far which is an average of FOUR per game and Harry Maguire missed the game in Paris through injury.

A high-score draw on Sunday

Another key matchup this weekend is Arsenal v Leicester City on Sunday. Both teams lost 1-0 last weekend and Leicester have now not scored in two Premier League home matches.

We saw two 3-3 draws last weekend and frankly, we love them! Six goals, points shared and often a good old fashioned comeback. Spurs collapsed at home to West Ham United despite a three-goal advantage and we’d love to see more of the same this weekend! Nothing beats a high score draw and we’re going for the jugular here:

Arsenal 3-3 Leicester City odds 40/1 or 41.00