Rijo Sam Daniel
Predicted Manchester United line-up for Premier League clash vs Chelsea
The matchup between Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea is always a tasty fixture indeed, regardless of the form of both teams. Contrary to what many had expected, Man United were able to restrict their opponents to a draw last time around.
While the Blues remain the favourites for this fixture as well, their record at Old Trafford has not been good. The visitors last won a game at Theatre of Dreams back in May 2013 when they achieved a 1-0 victory through a goal scored by Juan Mata. Hence, the Red Devils would be looking to maintain their good run with a good result this time around.
Team News
Fred is out of contention as he has not fully recovered from his hip flexor problem. Harry Maguire also joins him in the stands, having picked up a blow to his knee. Jadon Sancho will miss the clash as he has suffered tonsillitis since yesterday.
Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani are the rest of the confirmed absentees for Ralf Rangnick’s side tomorrow. Finally, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt for the fixture, adding to the defensive woes for the home side.
Possible Manchester United XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
David De Gea (GK)
The shot-stopper has been one of the most consistent performers for his side throughout this campaign. Even with the defensive issues, De Gea has often stood out with his terrific saves, and there is no reason to see why he would not start against Chelsea tomorrow.
Diogo Dalot (RB)
Dalot is a more natural fit for Rangnick’s style of play in the right-back position. His competitor, Wan-Bissaka, has often struggled to make an impact offensively. Moreover, the latter is also a doubt for the match, so the boss could decide not to risk further injuries and start the Portuguese international.
Raphael Varane (CB)
Varane is an obvious choice as a centre-back, especially when he is available. While he has failed to hit the same heights that he had shown at Real Madrid, he is still a dependable option in the backline. He would be expected to lead his teammates from the back in a high-profile fixture.
Victor Lindelof (CB)
With Maguire out injured, Lindelof would be in line to feature tomorrow. It would be a shock to see Eric Bailly or Phil Jones playing instead of the Swede. The Swedish international has endured a difficult run of form recently, but tomorrow’s match would be a huge opportunity for him to take over the starting spot.
Alex Telles (LB)
It is a no brainer to play Telles, considering how Shaw will be sidelined for tomorrow’s action. The former has not enjoyed himself recently, having failed to show a resurgence as many expected him to do under Rangnick. However, with no other options available, the defender would get another chance to make a case for himself.
Scott McTominay (DM)
As a vital part of Rangnick’s solid and compact system, McTominay has seen his value rise since the boss’ arrival, and he would look to drop another strong display against top-class opposition. However, this time he would need to do without his tried and trusted partner in trade, Fred.
Nemanja Matic (DM)
Despite confirming that he will depart at the end of this season, Matic has dropped some solid performances recently. He would need to drop a similar display, with Fred’s and Paul Pogba’s absence seriously hampering the depth for Rangnick.
Bruno Fernandes (CAM)
Despite his struggles and the recent penalty miss, there is no reason to see why Fernandes would be dropped from the starting lineup against Thomas Tuchel’s side. Rangnick does not have any other options that can feature in place right now.
Anthony Elanga (LW)
With Sancho being out of contention, Elanga is expected to come in and showcase the early promise he had shown during his breakthrough. Chelsea would undoubtedly be tough opposition, but his pace and mazy runs could be crucial against their backline that has struggled recently.
Marcus Rashford (RW)
The England international could get another chance to find his lost mojo tomorrow. While playing him on the right would not suit his strengths, as a more experienced player, he would be asked to make the sacrifice instead of Elanga.
Cristiano Ronaldo (CF)
Even if Cavani was available, it would have been a major shock to see Ronaldo being benched by Rangnick. As such, Cristiano is believed to start once again in another crucial fixture with Champions League football being on the line.
Manchester United vs Chelsea prediction
The away side is far from their best at this moment, plus they also have several injury concerns to deal with. In such a case, it would not be surprising to see Man United continue their great run of form against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
If you fancy our predictions, make use of the odds provided by Betway as Manchester United are currently priced at 11/5 odds to beat the blues, while Chelsea are priced as favourites at 5/4 odds.
The last three Premier League games between these two teams have ended in draws, with just one game where both teams scored – which came in November last year. With both teams defences leaking goals of late, both teams to score could be on the cards. Betway have boosted the odds of Chelsea to win and both teams to score from 10/3 to 4/1.
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The last three Premier League games between these two teams have ended in draws, with just one game where both teams scored- which came in November last year.
