Chelsea will be a confident and a happy outfit as they prepare to host Manchester United in the big-ticket fixture of this round of FA Cup matches. The quarter-finals, quite expectedly, feature teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur with only Liverpool missing out amongst the current Top 6 of the Premier League. With such heavyweight teams in attendance at such an advanced stage, the teams need to come up with competent squads and competent performances if they are to have any chance of winning the historic Cup.
Coming back to Chelsea, they are well and truly on their way to the title and with City’s feeble pursuit seemingly going up in smoke after a home draw against Stoke City, the Blues can breathe slightly easy. But Conte will realise the opportunity to add to his trophy cabinet in his first season at Chelsea and a win against Manchester United will see them knock out another potential winner in the Quarter final stage itself. United are coming off a draw away at Rostov while Chelsea, like all season, can field a completely fresh team with the club involved in a single match per week, which has given their title hopes a huge boost.
Conte can field a strong team and we are backing him to do exactly that.
PREDICTED CHELSEA XI VS MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-3)
DEFENCE
Begovic should be given a chance to continue his Cup adventure. He has been commendable in the appearances he has made till now and will be eager to win some silverware, in what might be his last year at the club. The 3-man backline might witness some change with Kurt Zouma the man certain to come in while we might see Azpilicueta retain his place. John Terry’s inclusion might be a bit dodgy with United the opponents but he might be given a run.
MIDFIELD
In the left wingback position, Nathan Ake is likely to start while Victor Moses is set to continue on the right-hand side. These two areas will be crucial as always with United boasting of pace on the wings. In midfield, Chalobah is likely to come in while Matic might get a look-in. Kante deserves a rest but knowing his engine capacity, he might well play and again be the decisive factor.
ATTACK
Hazard will start on the left side in attack while Willian should be getting a start.
Diego Costa will be the lone striker.
