Premier League action returns with a marquee fixture as Manchester United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford. Both teams enter this game on contrasting recent forms and leadership changes, promising an intriguing game as they aim to climb the league table.

In this match analysis, MSport’s latest statistics feature, M Stats, will provide a data-driven and analytical perspective of this crunch EPL fixture as you have never seen before.

Pre-Match Analysis:

United’s resurgence in the EFL Cup offers hope, but their inconsistent league form of just 4 wins in their last 10 league games remains a concern while Chelsea’s potent attack, which is averaging 3.3 goals per game, will look to take advantage of any defensive vulnerabilities as they aim to make it 7 wins in 11 EPL matches.

Head-to-Head History:

Manchester United and Chelsea’s rivalry has produced memorable encounters, with the last three league meetings delivering a combined 15 goals with Man United winning two (2) of their last five (5) encounters, and Chelsea winning one (1) while two (2) games ended in a draw.

That said, the home team’s form has been inconsistent, currently occupying 14th place on the league table, they are striving to catch up to 5th-placed Chelsea, who have hit the ground running under their new manager, Enzo Maresca.

MSport’s Top Player Pick from M Stats:

Alejandro Garnacho: United’s Creative Force

Garnacho was instrumental in United’s recent 5-2 EFL Cup triumph over Leicester in what was the first game after Ten Hag’s sack, contributing two goals by scoring one himself and setting up another.

According to M Stats, United averages just 0.8 goals per every home EPL game, but Garnacho with one goal and one assist to his name in United's 4 home league games so far, will be crucial in breaking Chelsea’s defense.

Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea’s Surprise Goal-Getter

For the Blues, M Stats points to Senegalese Nicholas Jackson, with 4 goals and 2 assists for Chelsea in their 4 EPL away games so far this season. Chelsea’s high scoring rate of 2.8 goals per game in EPL away games points to an aggressive offensive approach and with Jackson scoring in every 1.8 shot, he will be useful.

Tactical Insights:

Van Nistelrooy vs Maresca: Contrasting Styles Collide

Ruud van Nistelrooy, filling in as interim coach, has revitalized United with an attacking approach, as seen in their recent win over Leicester. Maresca’s Chelsea, on the other hand, has built a balanced 4-2-3-1 setup that emphasizes midfield control and high pressing. United’s defensive lapses could be tested by Chelsea’s structured pressing.

M Stats says, Chelsea have scored 11 league goals from just 4 away games, while United have struggled to find the net at the Old Trafford with only 3 goals in their 4 home games. This difference in efficiency would have been a problem for United if not for Chelsea’s 70% score in BTTS in their last 10 away league games.

Final Takeaway:

This fixture promises a mix of tactical discipline and attacking flair. United’s defensive resilience under pressure will be tested against Chelsea’s dynamic offense. With Maresca’s Chelsea eyeing a Champions League spot and United seeking stability, this game could be a pivotal moment in both teams’ campaigns.

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For in-depth stats, predictions, and live updates, visit MSport’s Betting Platform for its latest M Stats & Bet Insights (for live games) to stay updated on the action.

Link to MSport's M Stats.

Bundesliga holders Bayer Leverkusen face a tough clash on Friday as they welcome 8th-placed Stuttgart to the BayArena in a game that will see Leverkusen try to close the five-point gap behind leaders Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.

Stuttgart on the other hand, buoyed by a recent winning streak, looks to continue climbing up the league table from their 8th spot.

Leverkusen’s 10-Match Unbeaten Streak Tested | Home Win = 1.58

Leverkusen’s form has been solid, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions.

However, Xabi Alonso’s team has drawn three (3) of their last four (4) league matches, with recent 2-2 draws against Holstein Kiel and Werder Bremen showing that they are not at their best in the league.

Something they might want to fix quickly before a Stuttgart side that has been a pain in Leverkusen’s side in recent meetings comes into town on Friday. A win at home is crucial to maintain their pursuit of Bayern and Leipzig at the top of the table.

Stuttgart in Resilient Form | Away Win = 5.27

Stuttgart arrives at BayArena in great shape, having won each of their last three games, including a 1-0 victory over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.

While they’ve lost just one of their last seven (7) Bundesliga matches, Stuttgart’s away form remains inconsistent, with only one win in their last four (4) games on the road.

Still, their form has given them a solid mid-table position, and they’ll be looking to exploit Leverkusen's recent defensive struggles, which is reflected in their 80% score for both teams scoring (BTTS) in all their games this season on MSport’s M Stats.

Key Players & Team News:

Leverkusen will miss forward Amine Adli due to a long-term injury. Alonso may rely on centre-backs Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie to provide solidity in front of keeper Lukas Hradecky. Victor Boniface will spearhead the attack, with support from Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz.

For Stuttgart, key absentees include centre-backs Dan-Axel Zagadou and Jeff Chabot, weakening their backline. Luca Raimund and Yannik Keitel are also sidelined, while winger Justin Diehl and right-back Leonidas Stergiou remain doubtful. Manager Sebastian Hoeness could turn to a makeshift defense to counter Leverkusen’s offense.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.85

Leverkusen has an impressive home record, unbeaten in five (5) games at BayArena with four (4) wins. They’ve managed 26 victories in their last 32 home fixtures, a clear advantage. | Specials Market: Home & Over 2.5 = 1.87

Stuttgart, according to MSport’s latest rich statistics feature M Stats, is in great form winning all their last three (3) games in all competitions including a huge 0-1 win in Turin against Juventus in the UCL. | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Under 4.5 = 2.90

The last three encounters between Leverkusen and Stuttgart ended in draws, with each match yielding under 2.5 goals. Expect a tense and tactical contest as both sides look to secure points. | Main Market: Under 3.5 = 1.88

You can check out & follow the Bundesliga game, Bayer Leverkusen vs Stuttgart, on MSport.

Following their recent Premier League clash where the Blues beat Howe’s side 2-1, Newcastle United and Chelsea are set to renew hostilities at St. James’ Park in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday with revenge on the minds of the Magpies.

Newcastle Hope for Cup Upset | Home Win = 2.56

Newcastle may be short of form, but they’ll take heart from their last Sunday meeting with Chelsea, where they put up a strong fight despite losing 2-1. With only one defeat in five (5) home games in all competitions, the Magpies can dream of an upset.

Eddie Howe will see this as a prime opportunity to give fans something to cheer about, especially given their significant injury woes.

Much will depend on the form of Alexander Isak, who scored against the Blues at Stamford Bridge last Sunday and whether he can find his shooting boots to lead his side to a crucial win in this domestic cup game.

Chelsea’s Resurgence and Recent Form | Away Win = 2.60

Chelsea has hit a strong run of form, with seven (7) wins in their last nine (9) matches across all competitions. Jackson and Palmer were on target in their last meeting with Newcastle, and Maresca’s side will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday’s clash.

Maresca’s men, boasting one of the league’s most efficient attacks, are brimming with confidence after reasserting their top-four credentials in recent weeks, and with Chelsea aiming to return to their “big club” status, they will know that lifting trophies like this EFL Cup is how they do that.

Key Players & Team News:

Chelsea is likely to rotate their squad, with players like Joao Felix and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall expected to return to the line-up. Maresca’s rotation strategy has paid dividends so far, allowing squad players like Christopher Nkunku to showcase their talents.

Newcastle, on the other hand, is grappling with multiple injuries. With Anthony Gordon a doubt and Trippier, Botman, and Wilson sidelined, Howe’s side faces a depleted line-up.

The pressure is on the likes of Jacob Murphy and Will Osula to step up in attack, as they’ll need a disciplined performance to break down Chelsea’s defence.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.52

Chelsea’s recent form of three (3) wins and one (1) draw in five (5) games and their recent dominance over Newcastle (3W 1D in 5G) makes them favourites. | Specials Market: Away & Over 1.5 = 3.00

Newcastle have beaten Chelsea in their last two encounters at home at St. James’s Park (4-1, 1-0). | Specials Market: GG (Yes) & Over 2.5 = 1.82

Chelsea have seen both teams score (GG) in all their five games in all competitions while there have also been (GG) in all the last five (5) games between both teams. | Main Market: Over 2.5 = 1.63.

You can check out the EFL Cup game, Newcastle vs Chelsea, here on MSport.