After a truly convincing win at Old Trafford on Tuesday that saw Manchester United put three goals past Stoke City, United travel to Stamford Bridge to take on a Chelsea squad that has improved since the sacking of Jose Mourinho. This will be a crucial match for the Red Devils, as critics will certainly pounce once again if United take a step back and play boring football.
Manager, Louis van Gaal will certainly look to start the same squad that produced three goals and more importantly played beautiful attack minded football where everyone was involved, however there could be some minor tweaks. Stamford Bridge has been a tough place to gain three points, however, if his squad puts in a good showing, we could see United inch closer to the top 4.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea– The Spaniard has been his best self for much of the season and will be counted on once again at Stamford Bridge. De gea had little to do in the win at Old Trafford, but on the away trip and with Chelsea’s talented, yet under performing attackers, he should be called into more action.
Defence
Right Back: Matteo Darmian – Darmian made his return from a rib injury in the match with Stoke and he should be in the starting 11 once again. He should have his hands full with the Chelsea attack, but the Italian is a strong defender and will hold his own. Center-Backs – Chris Smalling and Daley Blind – All eyes will be on the match-up between Smalling and Diego Costa this weekend, as the two are arguably the best at their position in the Premier League.
Smalling has been much improved in the air and he’ll have to be on this occasion to combat the physical Costa. Left Back: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – Borthwick-Jackson has the left back spot nailed down for the foreseeable future as his form continues to improve. He certainly has made the most of his opportunity with his chance while the injured Luke Shaw and Ashley Young continue to nurse their injuries.
Defensive Midfield
Michael Carrick – Carrick returned to the starting 11 against Stoke and his start gave United the much needed pulse in midfield. When in form and injury free, Carrick continues to be one of the best holding midfielders in England. Ander Herrera – Herrera will be introduced back into the starting 11 that will see Marouane Fellaini make his way back to the bench. We could see Fellaini late in the match to help with set pieces.
Attacking Midfield
Attacking right: Jesse Lingard – Lingard was the one that broke United’s long slump of not scoring at home in the first half. He’s had his chances with a run of games and will now have to work on his consistency in order to stay in the starting 11. Center Attacking: Juan Mata – Starting in his preferred role behind the striker, Mata has been impressive and van Gaal has taken note.
He’ll be asked to knit play together at Chelsea, as he did so nicely against Stoke. Attacking Left: Anthony Martial – Martial’s goals and assists have been piling up over the last few weeks and now has arguably emerged as United’s best player over that time-span. The Stoke keeper could only watch in awe with the rest of us, as Martial beautifully struck United’s second goal.
Striker
Wayne Rooney – Rooney will once again be the lone striker up front and will look to add to his goal-scoring tally that has seen the Englishman score 7 in his last 7 matches. He remains five goals away from Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
