Chelsea and Manchester United both have ways into the box, but their recent possessions have ended very differently. Chelsea have shown a useful second attack after the first chance, while United's shot volume has rarely become sustained good chances. The next defensive action after an opening goal should matter as much as the opening itself.
Neto finished a cutback and then a loose second ball against Everton, and Palmer's return gives Chelsea another receiver between the lines. United can release Mbeumo through Fernandes, but its last three measured games produced modest chance quality and its leads and chases have lacked a convincing next spell. João Pedro, James and Lacroix are in Chelsea's current absence picture, while Caicedo is reported available after playing in the cup and Palmer's cup absence was a suspension. United's missing players were already out of its last match, and Fernandes is expected back. I expect Chelsea to find Neto or Palmer around United's changed left side, then use Caicedo to help close the next United attack. That's why I'm siding with Chelsea to win.
