After securing a draw with Anderlecht, Manchester United will now host Chelsea in the Premier League to turn the tide on the table toppers. The Red Devils lost the reverse fixture 4-0 which was eventually Jose Mourinho’s first test as an away manager. Since this loss, United have remained unbeaten in the Premier League and Jose Mourinho would be determined to pull off a win over his previous employers.
Despite creating a number of chances, Mourinho’s players had difficulties in converting those. The entire team has been very dependent on Zlatan Ibrahimovic although they have some lethal attackers in their ranks with the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and this is a very grave concern for the gaffer.
If United somehow manages to get a victory over their West London rivals, it would be a major boost for Tottenham Hotspur who is chasing their first Premier League title in almost a decade.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Lineup Against Chelsea
Defence
David De Gea hasn’t played in the last two matches as he is struggling with his fitness for a hip injury but he is expected to take the charge in this important match. The Spaniard can single-handedly change the course of the match.
Jose Mourinho has handful numbers of defenders available right now and he is expected not to tweak with his defensive setup. Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly will deputise the central defence.
Mourinho rested Luke Shaw to keep him fresh for this big tie and the teenager will be introduced in the starting lineup.
Antonio Valencia has been a silent warrior in this season and will take the right back position.
Midfield
United lost to Chelsea by 1-0 in the FA Cup quarterfinal but they displayed a far more impressive football. Till Herrera was on the pitch, United retained their shape but the dismissal of the Spanish midfielder did the damage as Chelsea came back in the match. Mourinho will use Herrera in the midfield to nullify the Chelsea midfield.
Michael Carrick will be in holding role and will try to maintain the balance.
Attack
Paul Pogba will be in the more attacking role and will try to combine with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will have the first test of a Chelsea match in the English top tier. The Armenian playmaker will try to interchange his position to give a Chelsea a taste of their own medicine.
Anthony Martial has shown flashes of brilliance and his knack of cutting back inside could be a threat for the three-man backline of the Blues.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will lead the attack.
