Chelsea lock horns with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening in the Premier League.
The Blues’ hopes of playing in the Champions League next season were dented by a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park last weekend. Prior to the Newcastle game, Enzo Maresca’s side had won four and drawn two of the six Premier League games. They remain fifth in the table ahead of their final two fixtures.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils’ wretched league form continued last weekend with a 0-2 home defeat to West Ham. The loss saw them drop to 16th in the table, with Ruben Amorim’s side closing in on their worst-ever top-flight campaign. The majority of their focus lies in next week’s Europa League final, so Amorim is expected to make changes to his squad against Chelsea.
Chelsea vs Manchester United—Team News
Chelsea will be without Nicolas Jackson (suspended), Christopher Nkunku (knock), Wesley Fofana (muscle), Omari Kellyman (hamstring) and Marc Guiu (hamstring) for the home game against Manchester United. Jadon Sancho is on loan from Man United, so he is ineligible to face his parent club.
As for Man United, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Lisandro Martinez and Toby Collyer are all out injured. Diogo Dalot is back, but he did individual training and is not available for the trip to Chelsea.
Chelsea vs Manchester United—Predicted lineups
Predicted Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Tyrique George; Pedro Neto
Predicted Manchester United Lineup (3-4-2-1): Altay Bayindir; Tyler Fredricson, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw; Patrick Dorgu, Christian Eriksen, Manuel Ugarte, Harry Amass; Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho; Chido Obi
Chelsea vs Manchester United—Key Players
Chelsea—Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has started showing signs of regaining his form, which directly impacted Chelsea’s results. Prior to the Newcastle defeat, the Blues had won four and drawn two of their last six league games, and Palmer delivered three goal contributions in that period. The onus will be on the England international to cause problems for United and help his team get all three crucial points.
Manchester United—Alejandro Garnacho
Man United fanbase remain divided on Alejandro Garnacho, but barely anyone can complain about his work rate, commitment and desire to prove himself. With his pace, unpredictability and touch of flair, the Argentina international could prove a thorn in Chelsea’s defence if not dealt with well.
Chelsea vs Manchester United
Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United