Michael Owen is backing Chelsea FC to ease to victory over bitter rivals Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues have made an impressive start to the Premier League season following six victories and two draws to remain unbeaten under Maurizio Sarri.
However, the west London side have dropped points in a goalless stalemate with West Ham before former Chelsea FC striker Daniel Sturridge netted a late equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw for Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri’s side were thrilling 3-2 winners against derby rivals Arsenal in their second Premier League fixture to highlight that the Blues’ title credentials despite the change of management in the summer.
The Italian head coach will be hoping to replicate the success of Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge after the Portuguese head coach won three Premier League titles, three League Cups and the FA Cup during his two spells at Chelsea FC.
However, the former Real Madrid manager hasn’t fared so well at Stamford Bridge since Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal at Manchester United in 2016.
Indeed, the Red Devils have lost 4-0 and 1-0 to Chelsea FC in their last two Premier League meetings in west London, while Antonio Conte’s side were 1-0 winners against Manchester United in front of their home supporters in the FA Cup quarter-final in April 2016.
Former Liverpool FC striker Owen believes Chelsea FC will edge to a win over Manchester United to extend Mourinho’s losing run at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
“Chelsea have lost just one of their last 16 home league games with Manchester United and I expect to see the hosts improve on that proud home record,” Merson told BetVictor.
“Jose Mourinho has lost all three games as United boss at Stamford Bridge, and the visitors will certainly have to defend better than they did against Newcastle in the first 45 minutes at Old Trafford last time.
“Chelsea have lost just one of their last 16 home league games with Manchester United and I expect to see the hosts improve on that proud home record.
“Jose Mourinho has lost all three games as United boss at Stamford Bridge, and the visitors will certainly have to defend better than they did against Newcastle in the first 45 minutes at Old Trafford last time.”
Chelsea FC are one of two Premier League teams that have beaten Manchester United more times than the Blues have lost to them since the league was established in 1993.
The west London side are looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season to nine games for just the third time.
Chelsea FC are in second place in the Premier League table and seven points ahead of Manchester United in eighth spot.