With excitement building at Old Trafford, Manchester United are set to host Chelsea in what promises to be an engaging Premier League showdown. Under new interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Red Devils will hope to continue the momentum from their recent 5-2 League Cup win over Leicester.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, look to bounce back from their EFL Cup exit against Newcastle, although their recent league form has shown promise.
Both teams enter this match with injuries and suspensions affecting key players, yet their expected lineups suggest an intriguing clash between United’s renewed attacking vigour and Chelsea’s defensive stability.
Here, we delve into the probable lineups for each side and how they might be positioned on Sunday.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Following a spectacular showing in midweek, Van Nistelrooy may look to retain much of the side that delivered such a confident win over Leicester. However, with injuries still affecting Antony, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, and Kobbie Mainoo, the manager has limited options. Christian Eriksen is also a doubt after missing the last fixture with an undisclosed issue.
At the back, Andre Onana is expected to return in goal after Altay Bayindir’s midweek duties. In defence, Noussair Mazraoui may feature at right-back alongside Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Diogo Dalot.
The midfield duo of Casemiro and Ugarte should anchor the middle, with Casemiro’s recent scoring form a positive sign. Up front, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to support Rasmus Hojlund in a strong attacking configuration.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup to face Chelsea
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Here is how the side last lined up
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Chelsea’s head coach, Maresca, is likely to revert to his first-choice lineup after rotating for the EFL Cup, with only Omari Kellyman expected to miss out due to a hamstring issue. Pedro Neto, recently recalled, will replace Jadon Sancho, who cannot play against his parent club.
Chelsea’s back line should see Reece James and Levi Colwill in defence with Robert Sanchez in goal. In midfield, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo are expected to bolster the centre, while Cole Palmer, Neto, and Noni Madueke could support striker Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup to face Manchester United
Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Here is how the side last lined up
