Michael Owen states his prediction for Man United v Chelsea

Michael Owen is expecting Manchester United’s crunch clash with Chelsea on Monday afternoon to be a low-scoring affair due to both sides struggling for form.

The Red Devils slumped to a disappointing 2-0 loss to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day as the pressure on manager Louis van Gaal intensified following United’s third successive Premier League defeat.

Chelsea, meanwhile, also failed to win on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Watford at Stamford Bridge in what was Guus Hiddink’s first game in charge since Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

Blues striker Diego Costa will miss Monday’s clash at Old Trafford due to suspension – and former Liverpool striker Owen is expecting there to be less than two goals scored at Old Trafford during the clash.

Owen wrote in his blog for Bet Victor: “There have been just three goals in the last three PL games between the sides at Old Trafford and I would be surprised if we saw a classic with both sides struggling for form.

“Diego Costa has looked back to his best in recent games but he misses the game through suspension and it will be interesting to see what formation Guus Hiddink adopts with Eden Hazard fit again for the champions.”

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United head into Saturday’s game in sixth place in the Premier League table, while Chelsea are 15th.