Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday as both sides look to earn all three points in the Premier League.
Interim coach Ralf Rangnick has admitted United’s hopes of Champions League qualification are over following the 3-1 loss against Arsenal in the last match, while Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday surely cements their place in the top three.
Manchester United Vs Chelsea: Talking Tactics
Thomas Tuchel will set his side up in a 3-4-3 formation and could ask his players to get a stronghold in the game and create enough decent chances to win the three points.
Ralf Ragnick will probably opt for a 4-3-3 formation and might instruct his men to keep a solid defensive shape and try to hurt the Blues on the counter.
Team News
Manchester United
Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Luke Shaw and Fred will all continue to be out of action due to injury woes. Harry Maguire is missing due to a knee injury whereas Jadon Sancho has been infected with tonsillitis, ruling him out.
Manchester United Predicted XI
De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Telles; McTominay, Matic, Elanga; Fernandes, Rashford, Ronaldo.
Chelsea
Christensen suffered a minor setback against Arsenal but should feature with Reece James against the Red Devils. Mateo Kovacic is expected to miss this game due to an ankle injury.
Ross Barkley will miss out on the clash due to an illness. Furthermore, Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi will be sidelined for this derby as well.
Chelsea Predicted XI
Mendy; Rudiger, Silva, Azpilicueta; James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic, Havertz
Key Men
Manchester United
The defensive performance of Varane and Lindelof could determine the fate of this game. Fernandes will have to find a way to create some decent chances in the final third to set up Ronaldo in front of the goal.
Chelsea
Thiago Silva needs to have a good game on the defensive end of the field if Chelsea are to keep a clean sheet. Havertz and Mount will have to carry most of the goal-scoring burden up top.
