Kepa Arrizabalaga Chelsea
Kepa Arrizabalaga Chelsea

Chelsea host Manchester United in the Premier League on Monday and a lot will be riding on this match for the London outfit.

The Blues have been going through a rough patch during the past couple of months, having managed to pick up just two wins in their last six league matches. And as a result of this, the Blues are just about hanging onto their Champions League spot.

Chelsea are fourth on the league table but Sheffield United are two points behind them which means if Lampard’s men were to suffer a loss against Manchester United on Monday then they could very well be going into the next matchday out of the top-four.

Chelsea team news vs Man United:

Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped to the bench during Chelsea’s clash vs Leicester City before the winter break as Willy Caballero took his place in front of goal.

But we expect the Spanish keeper to return back to the starting line-up against United on Monday.

The return of Antonio Rudiger from injury has been a big boost for Frank Lampard and the German should be partnered by Tomori in central defence while Reece James plays at right-back.

Both Emerson and Alonso have been poor for Chelsea this season which could force the manager to once again deploy Azpilicueta in the left-back role.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has returned back to training after a long injury lay-off but the midfielder will not be fit in time to take on Manchester United.

N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are guaranteed starters in central midfield for the Blues and it now remains to been seen as to who Lampard chooses to play in that elusive advanced role.

While Mason Mount’s energy and pace could be a big asset while going forward but we feel the manager could opt for more experience in the form of Mateo Kovacic.

Christian Pulisic is out injured and the latest reports claim the American international will not be available for selection on Monday. And this would mean Willian will return back to the starting line-up and will play on the left flank while Callum Hudson-Odoi plays on the right-hand side.

Chelsea could not sign a new striker in January meaning Tammy Abraham will once again start in the attacking role.

Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Man United:

Starting XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Tomori, Rudiger, Reece James, Azpiliceuta; Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount/Kovacic; Hudson-Odoi, Willian, Tammy Abraham.

Read: 4-2-3-1 Man United’s predicted line-up vs Chelsea.

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Read: Man United could receive a major boost right before the Manchester Derby.

Read: Pundit wants Man United & Chelsea to sign this Celtic man instead of Dembele.