Chelsea's midfield recoveries and wide advances meet a United side that can break quickly through the middle. Both teams have found entries, but the final pass and the next action after a lost ball have been uneven. The match should turn on which side keeps supplying the box after the first chance is defended.
Caicedo can connect Chelsea's first recovery to Palmer between the lines, with Rogers and Neto running beyond him and Welbeck occupying the centre. United have Fernandes to release Mbeumo or Cunha, while their own deep passing and restart defending have recently offered opponents another attacking phase.
Palmer returns after missing the Liverpool cup tie and Caicedo has been confirmed available. Welbeck played as the central replacement with João Pedro absent. United's Sesko missed Bournemouth, while Fernandes returns to the creative role after missing that match.
Chelsea have a clearer way to build a second decisive attack through Palmer's pass and the far-side receivers. United's recent responses to setbacks have produced possession without enough close finishing touches. That's why I'm siding with Chelsea to win this match.
