Felix, Pulisic And Madueke To Start, Sterling And Havertz Dropped: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Play United

Frank Lampard’s record during his second stint in charge of Chelsea has been abysmal.

The defeat to Manchester City last weekend means he has now lost seven of his nine games in charge, conceding 16 goals in the process.

Blues fans will want this season to be over as quickly as possible but they still have two fixtures to go, including the game at Old Trafford tonight.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup to take on Manchester United.

GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga

The Spaniard was recalled for the loss to City and he didn’t really get called into action too many times.

City were pretty poor when they got into shooting positions, but Julian Alvarez was clinical to score the winner.

Kepa couldn’t really do anything to keep the Argentinian’s shot out as it was a well-placed finish.

The keeper’s future at Stamford Bridge is very much in doubt but he is expected to keep his place in goal for the final two matches.

RB – Trevoh Chalobah

Lampard is likely to switch to a back four against United after the Blues struggled with the three-man defence at the Etihad.

Chalobah actually looked ok versus Nottingham Forest when he was asked to play at fullback.

The 23-year-old could, therefore, be asked by Lampard to start on the right-hand side at Old Trafford.

He will, of course, have a big challenge on his hands if Marcus Rashford starts the game.

CB – Wesley Fofana

Every member of the back three looked shaky against City, but the Frenchman was probably the worst.

Fofana gave the ball away before Alvarez scored the home side’s opener at the weekend and he didn’t really recover his composure.

For a player who is supposed to be worth £70m+, his recent performances have been rather disappointing.

It will be hoped that Mauricio Pochettino can get more out of him than Lampard.

CB – Thiago Silva

The Brazilian has looked far less assured than usual in recent matches.

Whether that is down to the fact that there isn’t anything to play or whether he has other things on his mind, it is difficult to know.

Reports have suggested that Silva could be open to a return to his first club Fluminense, but the defender has emphasised that he is committed to the Blues.

Pochettino, again, is likely to be important in persuading the Brazilian that he should stay and be part of an exciting new project.

LB – Lewis Hall

The 18-year-old was by far and away Chelsea’s best player last Sunday.

What that says about the other players on the pitch, it’s probably not worth getting into but Hall deserves massive credit.

He performed well against Riyad Mahrez and, considering defending isn’t his strong suit, he should be praised for keeping the Algerian quiet.

The fullback has taken his chance in the absence of the injured Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella.

CM – Carney Chukwuemeka

Why Lampard left the midfielder on the bench against City is anyone’s guess.

Chukwuemeka was prevented from joining up with England’s U20 World Cup squad so he could be involved in Chelsea’s final few games but he was left out at the Etihad in favour of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

With Loftus-Cheek having struggled versus City and seemingly on his way out of the club, Chukwuemeka deserves a chance at Old Trafford.

The midfielder is an excellent ball carrier and he could well pose a decent threat to United this evening.

CM – Enzo Fernandez

The Argentine did put in a better performance last Sunday, with the highlight being his lofted through ball to Raheem Sterling for Chelsea’s first chance of the game against City.

We haven’t seen enough of those sorts of passes from Fernandez in recent matches, and he does seem to be playing within himself.

You can see his frustration sometimes when he is in possession when they aren’t any options to pass to.

Again, hopefully, when Pochettino arrives, he will be given the platform to produce his best displays.

CM – Conor Gallagher

The 23-year-old came closest to scoring at the Etihad, with his header coming back off the post.

Lampard does seem to be a big fan of Gallagher but, whether that faith is justified, it is up for debate.

The midfielder has a great work ethic but he lacks the quality to play at the very highest level.

You do feel that, if a good enough offer is made for the England international this summer, he will be on his way.

RW – Noni Madueke

Benching the winger for the City game seemed nonsensical, considering he had been Chelsea’s best player in recent weeks.

Lampard’s decision to switch systems meant a forward player had to be sacrificed but he didn’t have to choose Madueke.

Keeping faith with Raheem Sterling didn’t end up bearing fruit, with the winger spurning a number of opportunities.

Madueke deserves to be reinstated when the Blues take on United.

CF – Joao Felix

Lampard has confirmed that the Portuguese international is back in training after missing the defeat to City with a minor knock.

Kai Havertz was extremely poor at the Etihad so a recall for Felix does look pretty likely.

The 23-year-old has spoken out in recent days to say he would like to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Considering his €100m asking price and his inconsistent form, you can’t see a permanent deal being agreed.

LW – Christian Pulisic

With Mykhailo Mudryk flattering to deceive and Sterling in poor form, Lampard may give the American a chance to show what he can do tonight.

It is widely expected that Pulisic will be sold at the end of the season.

The winger does have a great deal of talent but he has struggled to translate that into consistent form over the past few years.

Perhaps he can put himself in the shop window with a decent performance at Old Trafford.