Among our best bets for Saturday's Premier League showdown between Chelsea and Manchester United is a goal for Joao Pedro.
Manchester United were far from their best in Monday’s 2-1 loss at home to Leeds and they will be hoping for a swift return to winning ways when taking on out-of-sorts Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
A top five finish and qualification for the Champions League remains highly likely for the Red Devils, who have lost just two league matches in 2026.
But they still have to get over the line and the task against Chelsea has been complicated by a shortage of defensive options with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire suspended and Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu injured.
While United are short of defenders, Chelsea may be lacking confidence. The Blues have lost their last three Premier League games without scoring and will be desperate for a response after last Sunday’s 3-0 reverse at home to Manchester City.
We have selected a football betting Bet Builder on the match that pays out at 20/1 if successful.
Chelsea v Manchester United Bet Builder
Chelsea v Man Utd to draw @ 5/2
Joao Pedro to score anytime @ 13/10
Casemiro to be carded @ 15/8
Pays out at 20/1
Blues could miss major opportunity
Chelsea are under massive pressure after losing four of their last five matches and they might be restricted to an unsatisfactory point against a depleted Manchester United in a key game for both teams.
While Arsenal and Manchester City battle it out for the title, the heavyweight teams beneath them are scrambling to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
And the odd one out could be sixth-placed Chelsea, who have developed a losing habit at a vital period of the campaign.
Chelsea’s decision to appoint Liam Rosenior always looked like a major gamble and there are signs that some of the senior players are giving less than 100 per cent.
At their best Chelsea would have a good chance of defeating the Red Devils, who are weakened by the absences of a trio of experienced defenders.
But the Blues were brushed aside by Manchester City last weekend and the process of recovery could be a slow one, starting with a draw against Michael Carrick’s side.
Leg 1: Chelsea v Man Utd to draw @ 5/2
Positive Pedro can play his part
Chelsea have had a tough campaign but they must be delighted by the progress of Joao Pedro, who has excelled in his first season in West London.
The Brazilian made an instant impact at the Club World Cup, scoring three goals in three appearances, and has racked up 14 goals in 32 Premier League appearances.
Pedro has gone through a bit of a lean spell since scoring a hat-trick in last month’s 4-1 victory at Aston Villa, but he is a big-match player and can find the net this weekend.
Leg 2: Joao Pedro to score anytime @ 13/10
Another caution on the cards for Casemiro
Manchester United are destabilised in defence so it is crucial that their midfield offers plenty of protection.
Casemiro is no stranger to committing a tactical foul and looks at a high risk of adding to his burgeoning card collection, which stands at ten from 30 league appearances this season.
Leg 3: Casemiro to be carded @ 15/8
