Manchester United will face a Chelsea team who are slowly losing the sensation of how a loss feels like and there will be a huge onus on the Manchester giants to contribute in restoring that particular sense, even if it will be against the Blues’ wish.
Antonio Conte has been fabulous in his first year and he has taken the League by storm surprising and shutting his critics emphatically through his actions rather than with words. Very few had backed Chelsea after such a horrendous season but without too much unnecessary spending, Conte has added tremendous value to the squad.
On the opposite spectrum, it has been Manchester United. They went all out in the transfer window and after getting Mourinho on board, went on to break transfer records. But the new players took the time to settle down and although they haven’t been half-bad recently, their string of draws and a lack of cohesiveness at times seem to have cost them.
Top 4 is the only target in the League while Mourinho will look to add some sheen to the season with his second Cup win. The EFL Cup was won after a terrific final against Southampton but to win the FA Cup, they have to cross even sterner hurdles.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED XI VS CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
David De Gea will be under the bar and as usual, he will be tasked with pulling off important saves and protecting United’s goal. Valencia is likely to play at right-back and he will be vital in putting pressure on Chelsea’s wing-backs. In central defence, Jose has a number of players to choose from but Bailly looks certain to start after getting a rest. He is likely to be partnered by Smalling and the two of them seem to have struck up a good partnership between them, which will help in the business end of the tournament. Shaw might be given a run at left-back.
MIDFIELD
In the double pivot, we are likely to see Carrick and Herrera line-up. They will provide an extra layer of security and will also give Paul Pogba freedom to express himself which will be needed against an opponent like Chelsea. Herrera is likely to venture forward on occasions and support Paul in the advanced areas. Pogba, in the No.10 role, freed of defensive shackles, needs to come up with the goods.
ATTACK
Martial is likely to start on the left flank while Mata looks certain to start on the opposite side with Mkhitaryan coming off the bench. In Ibrahimovic’s absence, Rooney might be handed the responsibility of leading the line.
