Paul Merson's Chelsea vs Man United prediction hands Pochettino chance to salvage season

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have predicted that Manchester United's good fortune will run out when they face Chelsea. The Blues haven't beaten the Red Devils in the league since 2017 after Alvaro Morata's goal for Antonio Conte's side

United are heading to Stamford Bridge with the aim of bouncing back from their draw against Brentford. Erik ten Hag's team entered the March international break on a high note after their thrilling FA Cup victory over Liverpool.

However, their spirits were dampened when they drew with the Bees, despite Mason Mount scoring a late goal. They've been under a lot of pressure lately, with Andre Onana's goal being targeted 20 or more times in six of their last seven games.

They're currently nine points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who are fifth, in the race for European football. United are looking forward to an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City, but catching up to Aston Villa in the final Champions League spot will be a tough challenge. But both Merson and Sutton agree that United's seven-year Premier League streak will end on Thursday.

Chris Sutton — BBC Sport

He told BBC Sport: «Some Manchester United fans have got a bit angry with me when I've predicted them to lose in the past, but what happened against Brentford on Saturday summed them up.

»United were on a high after beating Liverpool in the FA Cup before the international break, showing great resilience to come back and win in the manner they did.

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«I was thinking 'here we go' and wondering if this was another turning point with the possibility of them kicking on… and then