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Chelsea predicted XI for United: Small rotation in 3-4-2-1

By Vansh Ambashta

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United and Thomas Tuchel, Manager of PSG stand on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on February 12, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United and Thomas Tuchel, Manager of PSG stand on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on February 12, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s English defender Ben Chilwell shoots wide late on during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on December 28, 2020. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English defender Ben Chilwell shoots wide late on during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on December 28, 2020. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Reece James (No.24) Right Wingback, England

Due to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s performances as a winger, fans have forgotten about the beast that Chelsea possesses in Reece James. Without James on the pitch, Chelsea has had a low number of crosses into the box. Hudson-Odoi likes to run at his marker, and then put low crosses into the box. While this has worked for Chelsea, James adds another dimension to the game. With Giroud on the pitch, Chelsea needs its wing backs to deliver accurate and dangerous crosses into the box to suit the Frenchman’s strengths. Against Atletico, Hudson-Odoi attempted five crosses and none of them were accurate. Hence, it is only fair James is given this chance to prove himself and rotation is likely through this phase of the season considering the fixtures.

Related Story. Chelsea and Man United combined XI: A blue and red dream XI. light

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central Midfielder, France

You do not keep a fully fit N’Golo Kante on the bench. The man is an absolute tank in the middle of the park, breaking up possession, attacks and much more. Kante was instrumental against Southampton and he was all over the pitch. Tuchel loves to emphasize upon counter pressing and Kante is a natural presser. His ability to read the passes allow him to interfere at the right team and Chelsea will need that against United. While Jorginho is a lovely player, Kante has a different type of skill set that is useful, especially against teams that press. Expect Kante to put in another splendid performance against Man Utd.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic was Chelsea’s Player of the Season in 2019-20 and he continues to remind us about it. Ever since Tuchel’s arrival, Kovacic has played regularly and has bossed the midfield around. The Croat’s ability to dribble through the press makes him extremely special, even if that skill wasn’t required against Atletico Madrid. Moreover, Kovacic is effective against counter attacks as he reads the game really well and knows how to break counters with timed tackles. Expect Kovacic to put in another convincing performance against United as he must contain their Portuguese midfielder.

Ben Chilwell (No.21) Left Wingback, England

Ben Chilwell deserves a chance in this game. Alonso has been quite wasteful in the past couple of games and he needs a rest anyway. This game could be the ideal opportunity for someone like Chilwell, who has been struggling for game time since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel. Now, Chilwell hasn’t been great in his performances as a wingback, however, tough conditions often bring out the best in players, and a start in a big game might be what Chilwell needs to prove himself to the world!

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