Man Utd play Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday and this is how our writers think they should line up.
Manchester United take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday evening. United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Leeds at the beginning of the week and must bounce back from that disappointing result.
Leeds are fighting to maintain their Premier League status, but they had a two-goal cushion by the interval. Lisandro Martinez was shown a straight red card in the second half, meaning he will be unavailable.
Harry Maguire will also be suspended after receiving an additional one-game ban for allegedly acting in an improper manner towards a fourth official against Bournemouth. Michael Carrick was expected to pick Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in central defence at Stamford Bridge, but there are injury fears over the former after he was not spotted travelling to London on Friday afternoon. If he is not part of the matchday squad Carrick will be left with just one fit centre-back.
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Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League, they were hammered 3-0 by Manchester City last weekend, and there are already question marks around their inexperienced manager, Liam Rosenior.
This is how our writers think United should line up:
Steven Railston
Shaw impressed when playing at centre-back for Erik ten Hag, but I would start Mazraoui and Heaven in the centre of the defence to prevent two left-footed players playing together in the heart of the backline.
Mainoo must be recalled to the starting XI if he passes a late fitness test to feature in the capital. The groans from United fans were loud and clear when Ugarte misplaced a few passes against Leeds. The midfielder has started 10 games this season, and he’s won just once (against Newcastle on Boxing Day).
Mbeumo was named on the bench at the beginning of the week and it’s a no-brainer to start him against Chelsea. Amad looked bright in moments against Leeds, but I would bring Mbeumo into the team for him.
Ross Jackson
A centre-back pairing of Heaven and Yoro seemed nailed on until the latter wasn’t seen travelling with his teammates to London.
If Yoro isn’t fit then Shaw needs to move into the middle alongside Heaven. That would mean Mazraoui starts at left-back, with Dalot coming in at right-back.
Ugarte has never looked like making the grade at United and his confidence must be shot after another poor display on Monday night, but if Mainoo wasn’t fit enough to even make the squad against Leeds then it would possibly be an even bigger risk to start him than Ugarte. The Uruguay international can start alongside Casemiro in the middle.
Liam Rosenior knows his side need to produce a big performance today and so expect Chelsea to play on the front foot. That could open up gaps for United to exploit on the counter so a fluid forward line spearheaded by Mbeumo could work well. Benjamin Sesko’s performances off the bench have been good this season and he can be an option late on if United need one.
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