Chelsea at Manchester United predicted XI: Charity FC in a 3-4-1-2

Manchester United's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic (L) vies with Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on November 28, 2021. - 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 Ben STANSALL / 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. / 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 BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

1 of 3

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Antonio Ruediger of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on November 28, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

The last time Chelsea faced Manchester United, the Blues made it so needlessly difficult for themselves that many fans felt as if they lost the game, despite drawing it 1-1. Chelsea needs to win this game to put a more satisfying distance between itself and Arsenal in the Premier League table as the season comes to a close.

Here’s who The Pride of London thinks Thomas Tuchel selects to start this game:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy is on course to beat his clean sheet tally from last season. He has only played 28 out of the 32 league games this season too, which makes this feat even more impressive. He currently has 13 clean sheets and he finished last season with 16. Mendy needs just four clean sheets in the next six games to surpass last season’s total. This is achievable, but it won’t be easy for the Senegalese keeper. In fact, despite being out of the Champions League, Mendy still has a good chance of ending the season with the UEFA Champions League Golden Glove. He also ranks second for the least goals conceded per game in the UCL. In the Premier League, Mendy ranks joint-third for least goals conceded per game and also ranks joint-third in clean sheets.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Right centerback, Denmark

Andreas Christensen likely starts at right centerback for Chelsea in this one. His last appearance was a first-half nightmare against Arsenal, after which he was pulled out of his misery. He was benched and an unused against West Ham due to a slight problem, according to the manager. He may return for his passing and anticipation to combat the intelligent Man United forwards.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva started against West Ham and he was superb, as usual. This comes after he came on for Christensen in the second half of the Arsenal game. He was ineffective against Arsenal. His presence against West Ham helped the Blues control one aspect of the game: defense. Chelsea’s offense was horrendous in that game, but thanks to Silva and the defense, the team did not have two things to worry about, making substitutions easy.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger will probably be fit for this game, though it’s more than likely subject to a late fitness test. It is mostly confirmed now that Rudiger will be leaving for Real Madrid at the end of this season, though nobody knows what salary he has agreed to with the Spanish giants. Rudiger will be missed by large sections of the fanbase and undoubtedly Tuchel.

Home/Premier League