Chelsea will cross swords with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, hoping to build on their victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Blues were tormented 4-1 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park on their first game after the international break but they showed great determination and grit to bounce back with a 3-2 win over Brighton at home on Sunday. Enzo Fernandez’s header and penalty either side of a Levi Colwill effort against his former team proved decisive, but it was far from a comfortable watch for the home fans, who witnessed Conor Gallagher sent off at the stroke of half time.
Nonetheless, it was a hard-fought three points and Mauricio Pochettino’s side will head to Old Trafford looking to close the gap on Man United, who currently sit five points above them in the standings.
Chelsea Team News
While Reece James and Marc Cucurella have now served Premier League bans and are available again, Chelsea must cope without Conor Gallagher on Wednesday evening owing to his sending off for two yellow cards against Brighton.
Malo Gusto (tendon), Christopher Nkunku (knee) and Romeo Lavia (ankle) are all touch and go for the contest, but Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), Wesley Fofana (knee) and Ben Chilwell (thigh) remain on the treatment table.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Man United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Chelsea will stick to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robert Sanchez starting in goal. The Spaniard must look to shut up shop as quickly as possible against Man United.
Defence
Free from suspension, Reece James will walk straight back into the Chelsea lineup and take the right-back spot at the expense of Axel Disasi.
Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile will hope to continue as a pair in central defence, with Levi Colwill expected to get the nod over Marc Cucurella at left-back in the Chelsea lineup.
Having conceded 22 goals in 14 games, the Blues’ defence have to stay compact and disciplined if they are to come away from Old Trafford with a positive result.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will try to control possession and dictate the pace of the game from the base of Chelsea’s midfield. Also, they must protect the shaky defence adequately and not allow many turnovers, which will only benefit the home side.
Conor Gallagher’s suspension opens up a spot for Cole Palmer to return to the Chelsea lineup. The Englishman will look to link play and create opportunities from the hole behind the striker. If Romeo Lavia returns from injury, he could get some minutes under his belt from the bench.
Attack
Raheem Sterling is primed to start on the right flank in the Chelsea lineup, while Mykhaylo Mudryk hopes to impress from the left. Finally, Nicolas Jackson will lead the attack for Chelsea against Erik ten Hag’s side, looking to get on the scoresheet after firing blanks in the last two games.
Armando Broja could get involved at some point in the contest at Old Trafford.