Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that his young players can build on their spirited victory over Brighton with only 10 men on Sunday. Conor Gallagher’s red card in the first half cost the Blues a rare home victory, but Pochettino’s team won 3-2.
Given the anger surrounding his departure, Robert Sanchez will be encouraged by a victory over former club Brighton. His status as an elite Premier League goalkeeper remains in doubt, but for the time being, he is Chelsea’s No. 1.
Defenders: James, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill
Captain Reece James will most likely be one of two changes. Following his red card against Newcastle 10 days ago, the right-back has returned from suspension.
Benoit Badiashile’s positive comeback to the Chelsea starting lineup will undoubtedly continue. Levi Colwill will compete alongside Marc Cucurella for the left-back position.
Midfielders: Fernandez, Caicedo, Palmer
Pochettino’s most difficult decision is at the apex of his three-man midfield. Due to Gallagher’s suspension, his normal trio of the England star, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo will be interrupted for the second time in three matches.
Cole Palmer stepped into a more pivotal role following Gallagher’s dismissal and may do so again against United. The England U21 attacker is a natural right winger, but he seemed at ease in the center at Stamford Bridge.
His ability to receive the ball on the half turn and drive at a nervous defense will allow him to fit in comfortably in midfield.
Attackers: Sterling, Jackson, Mudryk
Palmer’s shift inside may give Mykhaylo Mudryk multiple starts. Nearly a year after joining Shakhtar Donetsk for £88 million, the winger’s Chelsea career has yet to take off. A match-winning performance against Manchester United could endear him to fans.
More goals from Nicolas Jackson could help. Apart from a hat-trick against Tottenham, the attacker has been underwhelming in a Chelsea shirt and may be replaced by an elite No 9 in January. Goals at Old Trafford could persuade the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to look elsewhere.
