The Pride of London
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Chelsea Predicted XI vs Manchester United: Still 3-4-2-1 without Lukaku

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Luke Shaw of Manchester United is challenged by Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 28, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian Walton - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Luke Shaw of Manchester United is challenged by Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 28, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian Walton - Pool/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: Odion Ighalo of Manchester United and Antonio Rüdiger and Kurt Zouma of Chelsea FC in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 17, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: Odion Ighalo of Manchester United and Antonio Rüdiger and Kurt Zouma of Chelsea FC in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 17, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for a game that is very much all about the pride of both teams. Chelsea would want to show the world that they are also capable of dispatching a Manchester United side that other teams have beaten easily. Manchester United would want to show a decent resolve against the league leaders, having just kept their first clean sheet in what, 700 games? Probably more. Manchester United is under the temporary leadership of Michael Carrick, and the players in red would want to show the former player that they are willing to fight for the shirt, if nothing else. Chelsea has a lot of players back from injury, though the team is beginning to find some chemistry with players already fit, so who does Tuchel give the go ahead?

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Mendy’s class has shown since he arrived at Stamford Bridge in the 2020/21 season. He is currently joint leader with the Manchester City goalie, Ederson, in clean sheets, but bests him in goals conceded per game. Mendy currently leads the Premier League in save percentage (94-percent), saving 29 out of the 32 shots he’s saved. His confidence and composure in possession has extended to the centerbacks as well.

Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England

Chalobah has been one of Chelsea’s best performers this season in terms of consistency and solidity. Yes, he’s played in a system that has reduced the space each centerback has to defend, but he has been impressive both on and off the ball. This is in part thanks to Tuchel, because the German gave the youngster a chance and continued to reward his good performances.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Silva has been Chelsea’s best centerback this season, though they have all been splendid. Silva, even at 37, has been playing at the top of his game. He has remained one step ahead of other players on the pitch, stepping in and making crucial defensive actions, including a goal line clearance in his latest game. His passing has also been equally impressive.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Rudiger starts. Everything points to the German leaving the club at the end of his contract this summer, and while that will not be ideal, it may be for the best. Chelsea let themselves be held to ransom in the Callum Hudson-Odoi contract negotiations, it is important to make sure that doesn’t happen again by standing their ground. Rudiger has been superb though, so the hiccup in the negotiations have nothing to do with his performances, not recent performances anyway. The German would be missed if he does leave.

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