Chelsea will put their eight-game winning streak in away matches on the line when they visit Old Trafford for a blockbuster Premier League contest with Manchester United on Thursday.
The Blues have all but guaranteed a top-four finish for themselves, but will still approach the game with plenty of intensity, hoping to further dent United’s Champions League hopes.
The Red Devils have lost three of their last four games, including a brutal 3-1 reversal at the Emirates last weekend, and another defeat will certainly drop them out of contention for a top-four finish.
The last three meetings between these two teams have ended in draws, but Chelsea will fancy taking home all three points, given the strength and form of the current United lineup.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea will be without Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley, Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi through injuries.
A big goal from the birthday boy in #MunChe! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/lMH1q852hK
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 28, 2022
Antonio Rudiger and Reece James have both returned to training and are in contention to start. Andreas Christensen did not feature against West Ham at the weekend due to stomach cramps, but he is expected to be available for this game.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Manchester United (3-4-1-2)
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy will continue in goal for Chelsea. The Senegalese shot-stopper has kept 13 clean sheets in the league this season, a tally that’s eclipsed by only Manchester City’s Ederson (18) and Liverpool’s Alisson (19).
Defenders
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Manchester United
Trevoh Chalobah put in a solid display against West Ham and should keep his spot in central defence alongside Thiago Silva. With Rudiger fit again, Cezar Azpilicueta could be the one to make way for the German.
Reece James is pushing for a start after sitting out the win against West Ham and he will likely line up in his usual right wing-back spot, with Marcos Alonso on the left.
Midfielders
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has started Chelsea’s last three games, but might just miss out here, with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho expected to occupy the two central midfield positions.
Mason Mount has scored five goals and provided as many assists in 14 away games this season and will take up a more advanced position in the midfield.
Attackers
Timo Werner has shown glimpses of his best form in recent weeks. The German has netted four goals in his last five appearances in all competitions and should keep his spot in the Chelsea attack.
Considering Romelu Lukaku’s struggles all season, Kai Havertz will be given the nod to partner Werner up front.
