Expected Manchester United lineup against Chelsea
Manchester United have been the subject of much interest this week following their abysmal 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United at the weekend. From dressing room fallouts to takeover news, it’s been another media circus for a team who have been producing more headline stories than good performances on the pitch this season.
The 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend dampened the prospects of any degree of success this season. It was not so much in the result itself, but the way that the Red Devils played in the defeat.
They were outclassed and ostracised by a depleted Newcastle team that have not gone with the same excuses that United have to excuse their poor performances. Injuries have hit both teams in recent times, but it was Erik Ten Hag’s side that conceded 22 shots in that game.
Another team that has been suffering from a bad luck of injuries and performances this season is United’s opponents on Wednesday… Chelsea.
The Blues are currently managed by Mauricio Pochettino who is still imprinting the Chelsea team with his own philosophy. They are slowly getting there, but statistics have shown that they have often been unlucky with results this season which is a stark contrast to United.
A win for Pochettino’s side could see them close the gap to just 2 points with United. However, a win for United could see them move closer towards the European places dependent on other results.
Here are the predicted lineups for the game:
Andre Onana is expected to start in goal despite suffering a torrential time in Turkey this time last week.
Diogo Dalot is expected to start ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Harry Maguire was just one of two players who could hold their head high against Newcastle, so will likely start.
Victor Lindelof is expected to partner Maguire once again.
Luke Shaw was the other silver lining against the Toons and is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up.
Scott McTominay should start in the holding role and will be hoping for more than the 30 touches he had against Newcastle in 100 minutes of football.
Kobbie Mainoo is expected to continue to be integrated into Ten Hag’s line-up as the midfield is still depleted by injuries for another few weeks at least.
Marcus Rashford may start out wide on the right side, despite facing much criticism in the lead up to the game for his lack of efforts in the last game.
Bruno Fernandes will captain the side on Wednesday and is United’s most important piece on the puzzle at the moment.
Alejandro Garnacho failed to score at the weekend but will be hoping to take advantage of the high wingbacks that Chelsea have.
Rasmus Hojlund is still searching for his first Premier League goal and will certainly start ahead of Anthony Martial.
Predicted line-up against Chelsea:
Onana – Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw – McTominay, Mainoo – Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho – Hojlund