Chelsea Predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Can Blues impact the top 4 race?

Chelsea travels to Old Trafford in a game that the home side only needs one point to secure Champions League football. Frank Lampard’s men can heavily impact the top four race if they win tomorrow, as it would mean that Liverpool will have a chance to get into the top four on the final Match day of the season. With the Blues scoring just 36 goals and conceding 42 goals in 36 games, it’s fair to say no combination of eleven has proven to be the solution this season, but lineups still have to be selected, so here’s who we think the former Everton manager goes with:

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Manchester United

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Goalkeeper

Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped unnecessarily against Nottingham Forest and the result was Edouard Mendy coming in and making no impact whatsoever, making 0 saves en route to drawing 2-2 against the then relegation battlers. The Chelsea No. 1 came back into the lineup and didn’t keep a clean sheet either, but the latter has been much better this season and should never have been dropped against Forest in the first place.

Trevoh Chalobah, Left centerback

Trevoh Chalobah has been starting frequently in recent times, this is partly due to the injuries to the centrebacks and partly due to his quality.

Thiago Silva, Centerback

Thiago Silva was superb against Man City, mostly. With the absence of Benoit Badiashile, the Brazilian would be crucial if Chelsea

are to get anything out of this game.

Wesley Fofana, Right centerback

Currently the most expensive defender in world football, the Frenchman made a ridiculous error leading to goal by passing the ball straight to a Man City under no pressure. He also completed 84% of his passes,which is not great. He’s fit to play, so he’ll start.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Right wingback

Whatever you think about the captain, remember that he was ready to go, and it was the club that begged him to stay. Cesar Azpilicueta cannot be blamed for not having the pace – at 32 – to run down the right flank as often as you want.

Enzo Fernandez, Central midfielder

The excitement around Enzo should come from the fact that he has been consistent since he arrived in London. His passing has been exquisite, and his work rate has been stellar.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Central Midfielder

Ruben Loftus-Cheek likely starts this game again because of his performance against Manchester City on Sunday

Lewis Hall, Left wingback

Hall also started and starred in the Man City game. Considering how he did against Riyad Mahrez, he should be able to hold his own against Manchester United’s Antony.

Conor Gallagher, Attacking midfielder

Chelsea will need to score against Man United and to do that they’d need to create good chances. Conor Gallagher has created the second most big chances (5) for the Blues in the Premier League. Combine this with the excellent work rate that he has and he will be a nuisance for Man United’s midfield and defense. Also, no one has scored more goals in the Lampard 2.0 era.

Raheem Sterling, Attacking midfielder

Raheem Sterling has not lit up the world this season, but it’s not too late to start. Plus, he’s on over 300k/w, and since he’d get paid this week, he might as well play. Sterling’s injury this season did not help matters though.

Kai Havertz, Center forward

Kai Havertz has been poor this season, yet he remains the Blues highest scorer in the league and joint highest scorer in all competitions. To credit Germany International, his work rate is very good, though he loses most of his ground duels. That said, he is very good at winning aerial duels for a striker, averaging 56% success rate. For context, Brentford’s Ivan Toney clocks in at 48%.