Chelsea make the trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Wednesday evening, hoping to build on their win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Pensioners bounced back from the chastening 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United with a 3-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. After Conor Gallagher was sent off at the stroke of halftime, the 10-man of Mauricio Pochettino showed grit and character to defy the Seagulls and clinch important three points.
As things stand, Pochettino’s Chelsea are 10th in the table, five points behind seventh-placed Man United, who come into this game off the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Chelsea Team News
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that long-term absentees Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are still not fit enough to be included in the squad, while Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu will also miss the trip to Old Trafford. Also, Conor Gallagher is suspended after being sent off in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Brighton.
Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are all sidelined, but Reece James and Marc Cucurella are available for selection after serving their bans.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to go ahead with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Robert Sanchez will be in goal. The Spanish shot-stopper will be aiming to shut the shop as quickly as possible at Old Trafford.
Defence
Back from suspension, Reece James is expected to walk straight into the starting XI. He will take the right-back spot, while Levi Colwill should get the nod over Marc Cucurella at left-back.
Following a quick turnaround time in between the games, Pochettino could decide to rest the ageing Thiago Silva in midweek. So, Axel Disasi, who operated as a right-back against Brighton, could come into central defence and partner with his compatriot Benoit Badiashile.
The Chelsea back four will try their best to keep a clean sheet against a Man United attack that is expected to come out all guns blazing after misfiring in the defeat to Newcastle.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo will pair up with Enzo Fernandez at the base of Chelsea’s midfield. The South American duo will look to ensure Erik ten Hag’s side does not end up dominating possession too deep in the opposition half.
Conor Gallagher’s suspension opens the door for Cole Palmer to walk into the starting XI. The ex-Manchester City man will look to provide creativity and dynamism from the No.10 role.
Attack
As for the attack, Nicolas Jackson should be the central striker, flanked by Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk. There is no looking past the in-form Sterling, who has netted twice in the last three games. Meanwhile, Mudryk hopes to catch the eye with his direct running and flair from the left flank.
Armando Broja could come off the bench when Chelsea need fresh legs in attack.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
