Sterling, Aubameyang And Silva To Start, Havertz Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Take On United

David Tully

2 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Chelsea, Manchester United, Raheem Sterling

It does appear as if the ‘new manager bounce” has worn off somewhat following Chelsea’s performances against Aston Villa and Brentford over the past week.

Manager Graham Potter will know he will need more from his team when they face a rejuvenated Manchester United on Saturday evening.

The Red Devils looked impressive in their 2-0 win over Tottenham midweek so this will be a big test to see how far Chelsea have progressed under Potter.

Press the next page as we predict who will be in the Blues’ starting lineup for the match this weekend.

GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga

The Spaniard has been outstanding since reclaiming his position as number one. He pulled off a few decent saves midweek but it is his newfound confidence and composure which is most notable.

With the exception of the doubleheader against AC Milan, though, Chelsea haven’t really had any big games since Kepa returned to the team so it will be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure versus United.

RWB – Ruben Loftus-Cheek

With Reece James sidelined, Potter is having to make do with his options on the right flank. Loftus-Cheek did a decent enough job on Wednesday so he will probably retain his place this weekend.

There is no doubt that Loftus-Cheek would much prefer playing in central midfield, and the Blues will need to find a more appropriate understudy for James when the transfer window reopens in January.

CB – Trevoh Chalobah

It’s quite a surprising stat to hear but the 23-year-old is unbeaten in the 30 starts he has made for Chelsea at first-team level.

Considering Chalobah was nowhere near the starting eleven at the start of the campaign, it is a testament to his character and determination that he has managed to battle his way back into contention for regular starts.

CB – Thiago Silva

Potter hinted that the Brazilian would be rested for the Brentford fixture so it came as no surprise when he was named on the bench for the match at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Silva will hopefully have recovered his full fitness so he can take his place in the starting lineup versus United this weekend.

CB – Kalidou Koulibaly

Although there were one or two dodgy moments against the Bees, the 31-year-old did make plenty of interceptions at vital times to keep Chelsea’s clean sheet intact.

Koulibaly will likely be facing United’s £85m signing Antony on Saturday, and it will be a big test for the Senegalese international.

LWB – Ben Chilwell

Although Marc Cucurella did look a lot more assured versus Brentford, you do feel that Potter will be recalling Chilwell to face United.

The England international will need to keep an eye on Diogo Dalot, who was one of the Red Devils’ best players against Spurs on Wednesday night.

CM – Jorginho

Conor Gallagher is struggling with an illness and, with Loftus-Cheek expected to stay at wingback, it seems likely that the Italian international will remain in the team.

Jorginho didn’t exactly pull up any trees versus Brentford but, equally, he didn’t make many mistakes and he generally thrives versus teams like United where he can impose his personality on the match.

CM – Mateo Kovacic

The Croatian will probably have to get through a lot of work in midfield on Saturday evening, with the away side expected to go with three in the middle.

In possession, bypassing the likes of Fred and Casemiro ( who are not blessed with a great deal of pace) will be Kovacic’s main aim, utilising his excellent dribbling ability to get at United’s back four.

RW – Mason Mount

After some standout recent displays, the 23-year-old was rather subdued midweek, and those are the type of performances he needs to get out of his game.

Before the Brentford match, Graham Potter said he was perplexed by some of the criticism that Mount receives, but it is the player’s inconsistency that frustrates many supporters.

ST- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Armando Broja was feeding off scraps versus Brentford but he was impressive when he got on the ball, with his pace and physicality both on display.

Potter is likely to favour experience against United, though, so you would expect that Aubameyang will be recalled this weekend.

LW – Raheem Sterling

You do feel that the 27-year-old is being messed around by Potter somewhat, having come on to play at wingback on Wednesday night.

Sterling should be starting regularly in a front three so he can find some rhythm and get in the goals on a regular basis.