In one of the English top-flight’s biggest encounters, Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea seek to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Manchester United look to climb out of 8th position!

Boosted by the news of Ralf Rangnick’s imminent appointment, Manchester United travel to Chelsea for a huge, Sunday English Premier League (EPL) encounter.

The Blues remain top of the EPL table, with 29 points from their opening 12 games. Michael Carrick’s side sit seven places and 12 points below the European champions.

There are serious concerns that Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell could be sidelined for several months after injuring his ACL in the midweek Champions League victory over Juventus, while N’Golo Kanté also picked up a knee problem in that game.

Kanté’s issue is not as serious, but Frenchman is unlikely to feature here. Kai Havertz also remains a doubt with a hamstring strain, while Romelu Lukaku and Mateo Kovačić are unlikely to start.

Marcos Alonso and Ruben Loftus-Cheek should benefit from Chilwell and Kanté’s absences this week, and boss, Thomas Tuchel, has a big decision to make over Trevoh Chalobah, as the experienced César Azpilicueta aims for a defensive recall.

Meanwhile, for Manchester United, Harry Maguire was sent off in the humiliation against Watford last weekend and will not be available here. Therefore, Raphaël Varane’s injury may allow Eric Bailly the chance to receive a rare start in defence.

Paul Pogba is out for the long term, and doubts continue over Edinson Cavani, Fred, Luke Shaw, and the COVID-positive Mason Greenwood. However, Jadon Sancho will be hoping to keep his place on the right regardless. The 21-year-old finally netted his first United goal in midweek, in the Red Devil’s 2-0 away win at Villareal.

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes started on the bench last Tuesday, but both players will surely rejoin their teammates in the final third as Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial drop out.

With United’s depleted midfield, Chelsea should have too much for the Mancunians. Our prediction is 2-0 to the Blues, with a goal scored in each half.