Whenever Chelsea plays Manchester United it is a very special match, but it always takes on an added layer of significance for Christian Pulisic. The Blues and USA winger grew up a United supporter, so playing against his boyhood club is a very big deal, each and every time.
He’s recently come off the injured list to earn a starting assignment and some major praise from his manager, Thomas Tuchel. He’s also back among the goals.
Manchester United at Chelsea FYIs
Kick: Sun Nov 28, 4:30, Stamford Bridge
Starting XI Predictions: Chelsea Manchester United
Team News: Chelsea Manchester United
Premier League Preview Podcast: go here
Google Result Probability: Chelsea win 61% Draw 22% Manchester United 17%
PL Standing, Form Guide: Chelsea 1st, 29pts, WDWWW Manchester United 8th, 17pts, LLWLL
We think Pulisic will be back among the starters on Sunday, in the Premier League weekend’s headliner fixture. Maybe he will be back among the goals too.
With Chelsea, competition for places in the first team is always cut throat, but given how they have some injury concerns here, well, this is why you build up and maintain squad depth.
Chelsea Starting XI Prediction (3-4-2-1) vs Manchester United
Edouard Mendy; Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, Marcos Alonso, N’Golo Kante, Jorginho; Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount; Timo Werner.
Prediction: Chelsea FC 2, Manchester United 0
Chelsea are heavily favored at -176, while United are substantial underdogs at +450. A draw can be had for +300, but we’re making the safe and conservative pick here.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.