Chelsea will be bidding to continue their recent good form in the Premier League when they entertain Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Pensioners are unbeaten in their seven matches across all competitions since Graham Potter took charge, winning five. Their four-game winning run in the Premier League came to a halt in midweek when they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by west London rivals Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
A quick turnaround gives Potter and his side the chance to get back to winning ways against Man United, who are fifth in the table and head to west London off the back of a brilliant 2-0 win over Tottenham.
Conor Gallagher should recover from illness in time which forced him off early in the draw with Brentford, but N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana and Reece James all remain out with injuries.
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been brilliant since coming in goal for the injured Edouard Mendy late last month. Having kept five clean sheets in a row in all formats, the Spaniard must be raring to make it six at the weekend.
Defence
Following a quick turnaround, Potter is likely to make changes to his side. Starting in a three-man defence, Thiago Silva is expected to be recalled into the Chelsea lineup after being an unused substitute at Brentford.
Silva will be joined by Kalidou Koulibaly and Trevoh Chalobah in central defence in the Chelsea lineup.
Chelsea’s defensive trio must keep their focus throughout the 90 minutes to keep an in-form Man United attack quiet.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Jorginho is expected to partner Mateo Kovacic in the Chelsea lineup. How quickly Jorginho and Kovacic get control of the game will go a long way in deciding the outcome against Ten Hag’s side.
Cesar Azpilicueta should operate at right wing-back for the Blues, with Marc Cucurella offering width and energy down the other flank.
There is a chance, though, that Potter could rotate his full-backs with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ben Chilwell possible options to deputise in place of the pair we have selected in the Chelsea lineup.
With Conor Gallagher already returning to training after his short illness, he will be a midfield option on the bench that should also have the likes of Denis Zakaria, Carney Chukwuemeka and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Attack
Mason Mount has been in stunning form under Potter, thereby, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet. His creativity, off-the-ball movement and combination with Raheem Sterling in the final third, could be key in unlocking the Man United backline.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is pushing for a recall after making an impact as a substitute against Brentford in midweek. He will replace Armando Broja up top for the Blues.
Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, Broja and Kai Havertz will serve as offensive options from the bench for Potter.
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