Manchester United will be aiming to end an eight-match winless streak when they take on Chelsea in the Premier League today.
The Red Devils have had a dismal start to the season, and they recently suffered a heavy 3-0 league defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Despite the result, the hierarchy have kept their faith in manager Michael Carrick, who will now be eager to secure a win at Stamford Bridge.
Ahead of the game, we expect at least five changes to the starting XI based on the manager’s comments in his pre-match press conference.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Senne Lammens had a difficult game against the Cherries last weekend. He was easily beaten at the near post for the opening goal, and his failed recovery outside the box paved the way for the third goal conceded. He will be keen to make amends this afternoon.
In front of him, there could be a solitary change in defence. Ayden Heaven had a poor outing last time around. He conceded the free-kick from which the first goal was scored. The Arsenal graduate also made several high-profile errors at the start of the second half, and was lucky Bournemouth did not capitalise. He should make way for Lisandro Martinez to partner Harry Maguire in central defence.
Leny Yoro had a costly slip to gift the Cherries their second goal, but the Frenchman had a solid outing aside from that. He should continue at right-back with Diogo Dalot on the left, as Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu remain on the sidelines with injuries.
In central midfield, we expect another change. Andrey Santos may not start against his former club and could be replaced by the now-fit Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo and Carlos Baleba would be a perfect foil in the centre of the park, with the former providing the creativity Santos lacks.
We anticipate three changes in attack. Carrick dropped a big hint that captain Bruno Fernandes will be involved today, and we fully expect him to return in his preferred number 10 position. The Portuguese likes to face the Blues with four goal contributions in his last five meetings.
In that case, Youri Tielemans could finally be dropped to the substitutes’ bench this campaign. The £35 million signing has been ever-present in Carrick’s starting XI, but he has been poor in duels lately. He won just three out of 12 contested last weekend before his half-time substitution.
Matheus Cunha came on to replace the Belgian in that game. The Brazil international should be reinstated into the XI today, and he could feature as the left winger ahead of Mason Mount, who has barely provided an attacking threat during his last two starts.
The other change could come upfront. Bryan Mbeumo should move into his preferred right wing role ahead of Amad Diallo. This would pave the way for Joshua Zirkzee to make his first start of the campaign as the striker. The Dutchman has shown promise in recent cameos and scored late in the 4-1 loss at Como.
With Benjamin Sesko sidelined long-term, it makes sense for Carrick to give Zirkzee more minutes to prove his credentials. If he fails, the club can offload him at the turn of the year and bring in a suitable replacement, ideally with plenty of league experience, such as Jean-Philippe Mateta.
How Man Utd could line up vs Chelsea
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com