Chris Sutton predicts how Chelsea will fare against Manchester United without Erik ten Hag in charge

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Chelsea will likely be cursing their luck at the timing that surrounds their yearly trip to Old Trafford to face the Red Devils.

Manchester United have just sacked Erik ten Hag as their manager after a dismal start to the season.

Enzo Maresca will likely have really fancied his chances up against the Dutchman, as he looks to add the first giant name to his list of scalps since taking over at Stamford Bridge.

Jadon Sancho will not be available for the Blues with the game being against his parent club. Sancho and Ten Hag’s relationship was publicly rocky to say the least.

The Blues should still feel confident that the ability some of their players has shown this season will be enough to see them pick up their first win at Old Trafford in over 10 years.

Chris Sutton predicts Chelsea to draw with Manchester United

Chris Sutton has predicted that this will not come on Sunday, saying to BBC Sport that he can see a draw between the two sides.

He said: “It looks like Ruben Amorim will be the new Manchester United manager but will not be arriving for a few weeks.

“In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy is in charge as interim boss and he enjoyed himself against Leicester in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

“The Chelsea players will be well-rested because their team that lost to Newcastle in the same competition on Wednesday was totally different to the side that beat the Magpies in the league on Sunday.

“But Newcastle did create chances against them last weekend and, when I saw Chelsea against Liverpool recently, they were brave at Anfield too.

“I see Chelsea as being the superior team here and my head tells me they will win, but if they are quite open again at Old Trafford then that could suit Manchester United and let them get something. 1-1.”

Enzo Fernandez not in Chelsea’s strongest side?

All the attention will be on the Chelsea side that Maresca decides to pick for their return to Premier League action. Very few did enough to prove a point to the boss in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

The midfield of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo has impressed greatly in the last two games, making it difficult for Enzo Fernandez to break back into the side.

There is a real argument right now that that the Blues are better without the World Cup winner in the middle of the park, leaving questions over what his future at Stamford Bridge.