Softfootball offers a comprehensive preview of Sunday’s anticipated Premier League showdown between Manchester United and Chelsea, including detailed predictions, team updates, and potential lineups.
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Match Preview
Manchester United, now under the interim stewardship of club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, aim to build on their exhilarating 5-2 EFL Cup triumph over Leicester City.
That game marked a turning point, sparked by a brilliant opener from Casemiro, who went on to score twice, with Bruno Fernandes adding a brace and Alejandro Garnacho completing the rout.
This attacking display provided a much-needed morale boost after their Premier League struggles and the departure of Erik ten Hag following a disappointing 2-1 loss to West Ham United, which left the Red Devils languishing in 14th place.
United’s form in the league has been lackluster, with only eight goals from nine matches, placing them among the lowest scorers. Yet, Wednesday’s thrashing of Leicester hints at a potential resurgence in offensive play, which they hope to carry into their clash with Chelsea.
Chelsea’s Form
Chelsea’s journey under new coach Enzo Maresca has been defined by attacking flair, largely due to the brilliance of Cole Palmer. Palmer’s decisive goal against Newcastle last weekend exemplified his importance, even as Maresca’s rotation policy backfired during the midweek EFL Cup loss to Newcastle.
Despite the setback, the Blues remain in fifth place, within striking distance of Arsenal and Aston Villa, and are firmly focused on securing a Champions League spot.
Their recent away form includes a seven-game scoring streak in Premier League outings, although a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool halted their five-match winning run away from home.
Head-to-Head Record
The fixture between these two giants has recently shifted from low-scoring affairs to more thrilling encounters. After five consecutive draws from 2020 to 2022, Manchester United broke the pattern with a commanding 4-1 win in the 2022-23 season. Chelsea returned the favor with a dramatic 4-3 victory at Stamford Bridge in 2023-24, setting the stage for another potentially explosive match.
Team News and Possible Lineups Manchester United
United’s injury list remains long, including Antony (ankle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Harry Maguire (calf), Mason Mount (knock), Luke Shaw (calf), Leny Yoro (foot), and Kobbie Mainoo (thigh). Christian Eriksen’s availability is uncertain following his withdrawal from the Leicester game due to an unspecified issue.
Van Nistelrooy is expected to maintain most of the lineup that crushed Leicester, with possible fresh inclusions like Noussair Mazraoui and Rasmus Hojlund, replacing Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee. Andre Onana should return to goal in place of Altay Bayindir.
Predicted Starting XI for Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Chelsea: Chelsea’s sole absentee is youngster Omari Kellyman (hamstring), with no set return date. Jadon Sancho, on loan from United, cannot play against his parent club, paving the way for Pedro Neto’s continued role on the left flank. Enzo Fernandez is likely to make way for Romeo Lavia in the starting lineup after underwhelming performances.
Predicted Starting XI for Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Match Prediction
Despite Chelsea’s midweek mishap, their first-choice lineup under Maresca promises a far more robust performance. While Van Nistelrooy’s United have rejuvenated their attack, defensive frailties remain. This matchup is poised to deliver an action-packed, high-scoring draw.
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