Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Man Utd as Cucurella returns and Fernandez axed

It’s been a tale of two teams in the past seven days for Enzo Maresca, and there’s no doubting which group of players impressed the most. The Blues followed up their 2-1 Premier League win over Eddie Howe’s Newcastle last weekend with a 2-0 defeat against the same side on Wednesday, ending their Carabao Cup campaign.

On Sunday, Chelsea host Manchester United, with the pre-match build-up dominated by the news surrounding the managerial situation of their opponents.

That may suit the Italian, who has some key decisions to make as his side look to improve on their current fifth place position. One call out of his hands surrounds Jadon Sancho, who is ineligible to face his former club.

Express Sport takes a look at how the Blues could line up at Stamford Bridge…

Chelsea’s Predicted XI vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Sanchez

He came under fire for his display in the defeat to Liverpool last month, but Maresca has regularly defended Robert Sanchez. Asked on Friday about his side’s lack of clean sheets, he refused to single out his No.1, saying: “I’ve said many times – we have many, many things we need to improve.”

Furthermore, back-up option Filip Jorgensen did little at St James’ Park to hand his manager any kind of decision. Inevitably, Sanchez will return to the XI.

Defence: James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella

Whisper it quietly, but club captain Reece James came through 90 minutes unscathed against Newcastle last Sunday, and is in line to continue his return. However, the club captain is likely to switch to his customary right-back role in place of Malo Gusto, with regular left-back Marc Cucurella fit and available again.

In central defence, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill will continue their partnership, with the Frenchman likely to be charged with dealing with the physicality and strength of United striker Rasmus Hoijlund. 

Central midfielders: Caicedo, Lavia

Following the Carabao Cup loss, Maresca couldn’t have been more blatant when arguing his side missed the balance provided in midfield by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, singling out replacements Renato Vega and Enzo Fernandez. On Friday, he was forced to deny that he had fallen out with the Argentina star after being seen berating him for a misplaced pass.

He did, however, as good as reveal that he would be going back to his favoured midfield duo for Sunday, saying: “It’s a matter of balance. In this moment, Romeo and Moi give us physicality and strength in the middle.”

Forwards: Madueke, Palmer, Neto

It was hardly a secret, but in his pre-match press conference Maresca also confirmed Cole Palmer will play against United after not being used in midweek. He scored four goals in a game against the same opponent last season, and like six days ago is likely to be flanked by Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto.

Striker: Nicolas Jackson

Given the notion he’s struggled in front of goal, many would have been surprised to hear that following his strike against Newcastle, Nicolas Jackson became the fifth-quickest player to reach 20 goals in the Premier League for Chelsea. Irrespective of his finishing, his understanding with Palmer, and his movement, make him ideal to exploit United’s much maligned defence.