Shearer makes bold prediction! - Source: Getty
Shearer makes bold prediction! - Source: Getty
Premier League icon Alan Shearer has predicted the winner of the clash between Chelsea and Manchester United on Saturday. Both teams head into the game after disappointing losses in their previous outings.
Chelsea were thrashed 3-0 by Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, while Manchester United succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Leeds United, in a game where they were reduced to 10 men.
There are just seven points that separate these two teams in the points table with six games left to play. If the hosts win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, they can move to within four points of Manchester United, who sit third in the table now, level on points with Aston Villa.
With Champions League qualification on the line, both Chelsea and Manchester United cannot afford to lose back-to-back games in the Premier League. And Shearer believes this is a huge contest.
The Englishman expressed his disappointment with Manchester United during the loss to Leeds. He pointed to the absence of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire due to suspensions as a huge problem for the visitors.
On his column for Metro UK, Shearer predicted a win for the hosts and wrote:
"It’s a huge game and probably one that Chelsea have to win if they want to play Champions League football next season.
"I was disappointed with Man United on Monday evening, they were really flat and are struggling defensively with Maguire out and Martinez out. I think I’m going to go for Chelsea to win this one.
Shearer also added that it will be interesting to see how Enzo Fernandez is introduced back into the Blues line-up. The midfielder was suspended by the club for the last two games after his interview went viral.
Shearer concluded:
"Chelsea do look a bit lost, I think. I’m not convinced defensively Rosenior’s got them doing the right things, and he made his point with Enzo Fernandez, it’ll be interesting to see how he reacts, and how he takes to that, and how the rest of the squad take to that.
"I think they might just have enough to beat Man United this weekend, though."
Chelsea are currently sixth in the table with 48 points from 32 games. They have lost all but one of their last six games across competitions.
Premier League club consider appointing ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho
SL Benfica v Vitoria SC - Primeira Liga - Source: Getty
SL Benfica v Vitoria SC - Primeira Liga - Source: Getty
Jose Mourinho is being linked with a blockbuster return to the Premier League. According to talkSPORT, Newcastle United are considering the Portuguese manager as a potential replacement for Eddie Howe.
Newcastle won the Carabao Cup under Howe last season, but they have struggled to build on it this season. The Magpies are 14th in the Premier League and this form has sparked rumors around Howe's future at St. James' Park.
Newcastle's Saudi owners are reportedly keen on hiring a big-name manager if they decide to part ways with Howe. In addition to Mourinho, the Newcastle hierarchy also admire Roberto Mancini.
It is also believed that outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also open to taking over the reins on Tyneside. Coincidentally, Newcastle next face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.