Chelsea face a tough away fixture as Jose Mourinho’s men welcome the league leaders. Old Trafford will be buzzing for the blockbuster of a clash as Manchester United will take on Chelsea. The Blues cannot afford a defeat at any cost with Tottenham Hotspur breathing down their neck as the deficit can be cut to four points at the top if Chelsea falter against United. Revenge will be on the cards for Manchester United as both the previous meetings this season between the two have gone in favour of the Blues.
Chelsea beat Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup last month while thrashing their opponents 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in October. United have not lost a league game since that humbling defeat in London but have not won much either as eight home draws have kept them out of the top four till now. Antonio Conte versus Jose Mourinho is a battle to watch out for as both the managers were at loggerheads in the last league meeting. Here is the combined Chelsea and Manchester United lineup ahead of the biggest match this weekend.
Goalkeeper
When one has to choose between two of the best goalkeepers in the league, it is always the toughest thing to do. Thibaut Courtois and David De Gea have been performing at the highest level and have helped their teams many times since their arrival. But for the current season, Courtois slightly edges the Spaniard as De Gea has made few errors which is something we don’t usually associate with him. His distribution has also been below par which makes Courtois the custodian in this combined lineup.
Defence
Despite Chelsea being so successful by opting for a three man defence, this lineup will have a traditional four men at the back to have all the in-form players together in the playing eleven. Cesar Azpilicueta will play in this team as the left back with his versatility being the most useful asset for the Blues this season.
Antonio Valencia has been a crucial player in United’s back four which earns him the right-back spot. At the centre, David Luiz will partner Eric Bailly as both these summer signings have been immense for their respective sides and have established themselves as the first names on the team sheet.
Midfield
N’Golo Kanté is rightly a PFA player of the year nominee and has been arguably Chelsea’s best player this season. The Frenchman will play in his favoured position and accompanying him in the centre of the park will be Ander Herrera. The busy midfielder has been United’s most underrated midfielder this season. Herrera has been important in United’s unbeaten run and will be a dream midfield pairing for any team in the league.
Eden Hazard is back to his usual best and has been influential in the big games. He will be deployed on the left while Henrikh Mkhitaryan will play on the right where he has been playing for the Red Devils. After a slow start, Mkhitaryan has been quick to imprint his authority in his new team and also scored a few nights ago against Anderlecht in the Europa League.
Attack
Diego Costa is Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 17 goals and will play in a two-striker system in this combined eleven. Though the hot header striker has not been at his best in 2017, he has performed well in matches where Chelsea needed a match winner as the Blues require the same against Manchester United.
Zlatan Ibrahimović has been United’s sole warrior this season and without the Swede, United have looked toothless. He has amassed 28 goals in his first season in England and will find a place in any combined lineup made this season.
