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) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Jorginho of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal from the penalty spot 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) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James has started games at right wingback, but ended them as the right centerback, several times lately. This, though, is credit to the Englishman. His contributions this season have helped the Blues get to where they are now. You could also make the point that the injury he suffered is directly responsible for where Chelsea is currently. The Blues have felt James’ presence and especially his absence.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho is likely to partner N’Golo Kante in big games and this is one of those games. Jorginho has had a topsy-turvy season; he has been knocked out of the Champions League and has also been knocked out of the World Cup finals with Italy. He leads Chelsea in tackles plus interceptions in both the Premier League and the UCL though. Jorginho and Kante together give Chelsea a better chance of winning the ball back more than the opposition, meaning Jorginho will be able to control the game with his passing.

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

Kante was one of Chelsea’s better players against West Ham. His drive, dribbling and passing were very good. The Blues’ control of the Man United match will hinge on how well they can win the ball back and Kante will be crucial to that. Kante ranks second at the club in tackles plus interceptions in the Premier League this season, behind only the aforementioned Jorginho.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso was directly responsible for Chelsea’s breakthrough against West Ham. His perfect low cross passed through two Hammers, who tried to intercept it but couldn’t. Alonso actually ranks joint-second in tackles plus interceptions per game in the Premier League for Chelsea this season. The narrative around him is that he can’t defend and he is only useful going forward. The more recent narrative is that he offers nothing going forward. The numbers suggest that that is far from the truth. Alonso has created six clear cut chances. The person with the most clear cut chances has just three more than him. He also ranks joint-fourth for assists in the Premier League for the Blues with James tallying just two more assists.

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