Cole Palmer Returns: 3-4-2-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Manchester United
Chelsea are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were dumped out of the EFL Cup fourth round by Liverpool after a penalty shootout on Wednesday evening with the game ending 1-1 in regulation time. The result made it back-to-back defeats for Xabi Alonso’s side after they were comprehensively beaten 2-0 by their bitter London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in West London.
So, Chelsea will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways against Manchester United, who are on an eight-game winless run in all competitions and head to the capital off the back of an embarrassing 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth at home.
Chelsea Team News
Cole Palmer is available after serving his suspension in the EFL Cup, but Joao Pedro’s thigh injury leaves Chelsea without their leading league scorer. Xabi Alonso also lost Maxence Lacroix to a hamstring injury against Liverpool in midweek, with Levi Colwill replacing the Frenchman.
Pep Chavarria is available for the visit of Manchester United, while Emmanuel Emegha recovered from his injury and made his competitive debut for Chelsea against Liverpool. Meanwhile, Reece James, Jamie Gittens and Emiliano Martinez remain out.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Manchester United (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Mike Penders bounced back from a disappointing debut appearance with a strong outing against Liverpool. He made a few vital saves in the second half and also saved Ryan Gravenberch’s spot kick in the shootout, although the Blues were eventually eliminated from the EFL Cup.
Defence
Alonso could revert to his usual 3-4-2-1 system from the 4-3-3 formation he used against Liverpool. Lacroix’s injury is a big blow, and Alonso will be forced to make changes to his backline.
Wesley Fofana, who missed the decisive penalty in the shootout defeat to Liverpool, could be the central centre-back, with Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill beside him in the Chelsea lineup.
The trio have to be disciplined to keep a clean sheet on Saturday.
Midfield
Marco Palestra came on as a second-half substitute in midweek but could be handed a start in the left wing-back position. After operating in an advanced role in the last two games, Pedro Neto is expected to be restored as the right wing-back in the Chelsea lineup.
The wing-backs will have important roles to play to disrupt Manchester United. In central midfield, Romeo Lavia could retain his spot alongside Jordan Henderson, with Moises Caicedo, who had “little problems” in the second half and was substituted at Anfield, possibly dropping to the bench.
Attack
Cole Palmer will walk back straight into the Chelsea lineup after serving a one-game suspension for his red card against Tottenham. He and Morgan Rogers are expected to operate as the two No.10s, hoping to drop into pockets of space behind Man United’s midfield and cause problems.
Danny Welbeck will lead the Chelsea attack in Joao Pedro’s injury absence, looking to add to his tally of eight goals against his boyhood club.
Estevao, Emegha and Geovany Quenda could get minutes if the home side needs pace and flair in attack.
football formations
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May 20, 2017 | Mad About EPL Desk |