Sidney Sladen
Strongest Manchester United (4-2-3-1) XI To Take On Chelsea In FA Cup Clash
Manchester United were held to a draw against FC Rostov away from home in what was a difficult away trip to Russia in the 1st leg of the Europa League round of 16 clash. United now turn their attention to the quarterfinal of the FA cup where they face Chelsea at Stamford bridge. Manchester United beat Blackburn Rovers to reach this stage and they now face their toughest game of the competition this season so far.
Chelsea will be highly determined to go for the trophy as a league and an FA cup double in Conte’s first season in England would be an absolute dream. The Blues are unbeaten since the start of the year and will be difficult to beat. They defeated Wolves in the 5th round and this would be their toughest game in their FA Cup journey this season.
Manchester United boss Mourinho revealed that he will not play a weak team for this tie, and hence, he would look to field a strong side for this game.
Team News:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss the game as he is suspended for his antics against AFC Bournemouth. Defender Fosu Mensah will remain the only other injury concern for Mourinho ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge.
Predicted Manchester United XI To Take On Chelsea
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: David de Gea
De Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he is a sure starter for United in a game of this weight and importance.
RB: Antonio Valencia
Valencia is one of the best right-backs in the league right now and he adds much-needed experience and solidity on the right-hand side.
CB: Eric Bailly
Bailly has been excellent in recent games and he should get a start in this tie against Chelsea.
CB: Marcos Rojo
The Argentine has grown as a player this season and is showing composure and maturity he lacked last season. He will start the game for sure.
LB: Daley Blind
Mourinho has shown so much trust in the talented Dutchman and it has paid off. Blind has been exceptional for United and he would be an important player for United against the Blues.
CM: Ander Herrera
The Spanish midfielder has been in superb form this season for the Red Devils and he should stick to his usual central midfield position for this tie.
CM: Michael Carrick
The veteran pass master was rested for the trip to FC Rostov but Mourinho should bring him back to the starting XI to add some much-needed experience and class to the midfield.
CAM: Paul Pogba
Though Pogba has been out of sorts of late, the talent he possesses is undoubtedly huge and is a sure starter in a big game like this one.
RW: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian winger was on target in the game against FC Rostov and he will partner Valencia on the right wing.
LW: Anthony Martial
Martial has been excellent for Manchester United ever since he was made to fight for his place. Now that he has shown Mourinho what he is capable of, it is time for him to show Conte what he is capable of doing to his opponents.
ST: Marcus Rashford
With Zlatan absent for this game, Mourinho should bring in the young English striker to lead the front line for his side in this crunch game.
