Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney will be highly missed when his side welcome league leaders Chelsea at Old Trafford. As far as the team news is concerned, Jose Mourinho’s side have no new injuries to worry about after their game against R.S.C. Anderlecht. However, United will miss the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, all of whom are out of the squad till next season. Ashley Young got banjaxed with injury against Everton and is the squad for this clash against the Blues.
The Premier League just getting back this weekend would make the Old Trafford a noisy place on Sunday when they host Antonio Conte’s Chelsea in one of the most awaited league games of the season. The Red Devils fell to an embarrassing loss in the reverse fixture earlier this season and Jose Mourinho will look to take revenge and slightly dent the Blues’ chances of winning the EPL this season.
Chelsea are fresh from a victory over Bournemouth but dropped points massively and the Red Devils will believe that they can get all three points from the weekend. However, the Blues are fresh from a trip to Brussels on Thursday night and fatigue may play a role in this game.
Expected Starting Lineup:
Manager: Jose Mourinho
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – David de Gea
David de Gea had a decent game against Belgian side and will hope to keep up with his superb performance when his side face Chelsea. De Gea is a sure starter for the Red Devils.
RB – Antonio Valencia
This season, Valencia has been Jose Mourinho most-preferred first choice right-back and the Ecuador international right-back for United this weekend.
CB – Eric Bailly
The summer acquisition has settle in well at Old Trafford and will start at the back for his new side for the rest of the season. Bailly will have a tough time against the likes of Costa in this clash.
CB – Marcos Rojo
The absence of Jones and Smalling has seen the Portuguese boss stick with the Argentine defender who has done no harm to the trust that has been placed on him. Rojo should partner Bailly at the back.
LB – Luke Shaw
Though Luke Shaw was dropped from the first team at Brussels, the England international was used in the last couple of league games and should be expected to be back in action for this game.
CM – Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera was in included in the starting XI against Belgian side Anderlecht and Jose Mourinho should replace veteran midfielder Michael Carrick with Herrera.
CM – Paul Pogba
The French international did not have a great time in Belgium but he is often a star in big matches and he might be the danger man for Manchester United in this tie.
RW – Jesse Lingard
The youngster was the first player to be subbed off against Anderlecht and he should keep his place in the first team for this game.
CAM – Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The goal scorer for United in the Europa League tie, Mkhitaryan will have to play a huge role if United are to take anything from this game against the Blues.
LW – Anthony Martial
The French attacker impressed in his cameo against Anderlecht and is expected to start this game on the left-wing.
ST – Zlatan Ibrahimović
The Swede had a tough time against a disciplined Anderlecht side but he will hope to get back to scoring ways with an impressive performance against the league leaders.
This is how they would line up:
