Manchester United will lock horns with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday night, hoping to produce a positive result on their home turf. The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Arsenal, whereas the Blues recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over West Ham United on April 24.
Team News
Ben Chilwell (knee), Mateo Kovacic (ankle), and Callum Hudson-Odoi (back problems) remain unavailable for the midweek clash, but Andreas Christensen could be available after he was pulled from the squad to face West Ham United due to stomach cramps.
Antonio Rudiger and Reece James should return too.
Thomas Tuchel will probably opt for the 3-4-3 formation; however, he is expected to make a couple of changes for the upcoming contest. Christian Pulisic might get the nod over Timo Werner in attack, whereas Reece James looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
3-4-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Manchester United
Defence
Edouard Mendy is expected to start between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Senegalese shot-stopper would hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Thursday.
Thiago Silva is expected to start at the heart of Blues’ backline, whereas Antonio Rudiger will feature at the left centre-back spot. Cesar Azpilicueta will fulfil the right centre-back position.
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Midfield
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante might fulfil the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more central role. The pair would be looking to dominate the midfield proceedings.
Marcos Alonso might start at the left wing-back position, whereas Reece James will fill in on the other flank as the right wing-back. The duo would be expected to stretch Chelsea’s attacks in the opposition half.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount will slot into the attacking midfield roles. The duo would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal-scoring chances for the front-men.
Kai Havertz might lead the line for Chelsea in midweek. The 22-year-old striker will be hoping to find the back of the net when he faces off against the United defence that has kept just one clean sheet in their last nine matches across all competitions.
Timo Werner might come on to make a cameo appearance in the second forty-five minutes.
