Sure Prediction For Today, Sunday 11th August 2019

However, there has been a negative side to their transfer dealings. Romelu Lukaku left in a £74m deal on deadline day, while Ander Herrera opted to move to PSG on a free earlier in the summer. Neither of these key first-team players has been replaced, leaving Solskjaer to rely on their unproven, albeit talented, pool of academy prospects.

Preseason has been positive for them though they have won 5 of their 6 friendlies and seen scintillating performances from the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, and Angel Gomes. Whether they can continue this into the competitive season remains to be seen.

Manchester United’s potential problems look minuscule compared to what Chelsea could face. Inexperienced fan favourite Frank Lampard takes the helm at Stamford Bridge after Maurizio Sarri understandably chose to leave at the end of last season, and he has a huge task on his hands.

The Blues are in the midst of a transfer ban and were left helpless when Real Madrid came calling for Eden Hazard. Their talisman for so many years is finally gone, and deadline day saw them sell David Luiz to Arsenal. Their youth prospects are enticing, but filling Hazard and Luiz’s boots will be a big ask.

Chelsea also has a mixed Premier League campaign last year to look back upon. Sarri did manage to achieve a 3rd place finish and a Europa League title, but there were times when his Chelsea team looked completely lost. Their record away from home was a particular sticking point, and they ended the season having won just 2 of their final 9 Premier League away days.

5 of these ended in defeat too, and they lost 4 and drew 1 of their 6 away games against fellow Top 6 sides. Considering they haven’t won at Old Trafford since 2013, this could be a step too far for Lampard and company.

Both of these sides have some adjusting to do this season, but Manchester United are coming into the competition stronger than last season while their opponents look significantly weaker without Hazard pulling the strings.

We think backing the Manchester United Win here offers a lot of value, but we do think the hosts’ backline will take a bit of time to settle in. Old Trafford saw just 2 Premier League clean sheets for the home side last season, so Chelsea scoring looks likely and a 2-1 correct score prediction is our choice.

After scoring 3 goals in Man Utd’s 6 preseason games and potentially lining up in the central striker’s position, we think Marcus Rashford looks promising for our anytime goalscorer pick. Our prediction is a + 2 Goals handicap for Chelsea and Chelsea wins.