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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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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) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

James has been comfortably Chelsea’s best player this season. His ball striking technique, his crossing ability, strength and defensive awareness have put the Blues in very comfortable positions in recent games. He hasn’t always been like this either, but he has stepped up his game and made the initial Achraf Hakimi pursuit look silly. James has come a long way since his debut for the Blues in the 2019/20 league season.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (No. 12) Central midfielder, England

Loftus-Cheek has been very impressive in the double pivot every time he’s had a chance to play. He has been disciplined enough to sit when needed and dribble forward when needed. He does sometimes tend to dribble too much and find himself still holding the ball when he should’ve released it. His dribbling is perhaps only bettered by Mateo Kovacic and he would cause lots of problems for the Manchester United midfield with his frame and his ability to drive and dribble through traffic.

Chelsea could really use Romelu Lukaku to make a point. light. Related Story

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Fortunately, Chelsea fans have begun to see how important Jorginho is for the Blues. His role in helping Chelsea play out from the back and his ability to bypass a press has been impeccable. He has recently been creating some beautiful chances from deep as well, creating two of Chelsea’s four big chances in the game, all from deep. Jorginho has not relinquished penalty duties and that’s good to see, as that is in Chelsea’s best interests. His defensive awareness has also been top notch, making crucial interceptions in key phases of play.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Interestingly, the difference in performance between Alonso and Ben Chilwell is not as wide as many make it seem. People have made it seem quite wide by looking at aesthetics, rather than actual performance. Chilwell and Alonso have both started six games each this season. Alonso has performed better in terms of chance creation, tackles, interceptions and crosses completed. They’ve both kept four clean sheets each, and they both have a 22-percent crossing accuracy. Chilwell has had two more goals than Alonso, created one more clear cut chance and won slightly more ground duels. Alonso makes more progressive passes per 90, more passes into the penalty area per 90 as well as more passes into the final third per 90. Chilwell has been better in terms of pressing though. Many fans have behaved as though Alonso has been rubbish while Chilwell has been impeccable. Alonso has always been better in a three centerback formation, the Blues only need to worry about Alonso’s backup, but Alonso is definitely well equipped to hold down Chelsea’s left wingback spot as the starter.

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