Chelsea predicted XI for Manchester United: Finally a game

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Brandon Williams of Manchester United is challenged by Reece James of Chelsea during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 30: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea controls the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

N’Golo Kante, 7, Midfield, France

Would it even be a modern Chelsea versus Manchester United match without Kante (and maybe a goal or two from him)? The little Frenchman lives for matches against United for whatever reason. Maybe it has something to do with former teammates but it works. Kante will obviously start and history shows that he may find some dangerous attacking positions as well.

Jorginho, 5, Midfield, Italy

What killed Chelsea most in the reverse fixture that started the season was getting caught in behind. The midfield advanced too much and was bypassed. Then, either the defense was too far back creating too much space between lines or they were too far forward leaving acres in behind. The man who is supposed to minimize both of those issues is Jorginho and he needs to have a big day if Chelsea is to get a result.

Mateo Kovacic, 17, Midfield, Croatia

Given the results of previous matches against United, it seems likely that Lampard will be inclined to go with his more defensive midfield set up. That leaves no room for a true attacking midfielder, leaving those duties split across Kante and Kovacic. Both will need to be disciplined in their positioning as well as ready to assist Jorginho and the wide players as needed. It is a big task, but two of Chelsea’s best players are on it.

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