Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford and will look to keep their top four hopes alive after suffering back to back defeats in the Premier League.
The Red Devils are currently sixth in the table, but a win against fourth-placed Chelsea could hand them the advantage, with just three games remaining.
Manchester United team news
Antonio Valencia has been ruled out with an unspecified injury while Ander Herrera (muscle), Eric Bailly (head), Phil Jones and Scott McTominay (lack of fitness) are all doubts heading into this game and will be assessed before the kickoff.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Chelsea
Defence
After yet another disastrous performance against Manchester City in midweek, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to revert to his preferred four at the back formation against Chelsea.
Therefore, we could expect Matteo Darmian to make way for a midfielder while Solskjaer will opt for his trusted defensive combination of Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling at the heart of United’s four-man defence.
Ashley Young and Luke Shaw will both retain their place in the starting lineup and will occupy the full-back roles, although the former is likely to operate deeper while United’s left-sided overload should enable Shaw to make offensive forays down the flanks.
David de Gea will be expecting yet another busy outing in between the sticks and the Spaniard will be hoping for an improved display this time, having conceded six goals in his last two matches.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic could make a return to the starting lineup against his former club in central midfield at the expense of Fred, who started in the defeat to Manchester City.
The Serbian international will occupy the holding midfield role, where he will look to disrupt the opposition’s flow in midfield using his tackling prowess. He will be partnered by Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera, who “would probably be involved” against Chelsea despite his muscle problem, according to Solskjaer in his press conference.
Pogba, meanwhile, will be Manchester United’s main source of creativity going forward while the Frenchman will also operate as the ball-carrier in half spaces.
Attack
The Manchester United attack will be led by the stunning offensive duo of Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford, both of who have combined 22 Premier League goals in between this season.
They will be supported by the lone number ten in Juan Mata, who is likely to get the nod ahead of both Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard.
