Chelsea will be looking to strengthen their position at the top when they play host to Manchester United on Saturday. The Blues are tied on points with Manchester City and Liverpool at the top end of the standings and registered an emphatic 3-0 win over Southampton before the international break.
The Blues looked set for a win against Liverpool until Daniel Sturridge’s late equaliser saw both the teams bag a point apiece. United and Chelsea have played some thrilling encounters between them in the recent past and one can expect another intriguing battle on Saturday as the two Premier League giants lock horns at the Stamford Bridge.
United haven’t been in the best of forms this season but Chelsea should not make the mistake of underestimating their rivals.
Antonio Rudiger missed the UEFA Nations League game for Germany due to a groin injury. However, he has been training with the squad and is likely to feature on Saturday. Ethan Ampadu will not be available for selection due to a knock that he picked up during the international break.
The Spaniard has looked confident between the sticks and produced a couple of good saves in the previous outing. He is likely to start on Saturday.
Solid as a rock at the back, the Spaniard started for Spain in the UEFA Nations League and is expected to start against Man United as well.
He has grown in confidence as the season has progressed and Chelsea will be expecting him to be at the top of his game against United.
The German has established a healthy partnership with Luiz at the heart of the defence and Chelsea will be hoping that he is fit enough to start at the weekend.
The Spaniard has been one of the standout performers for the Blues this season. Solid at the back and a potent threat in the other half, Alonso will play a key role against United.
He has made a name for himself in the Premier League as a prolific and fluent passer of the ball and Sarri is likely to hand him another start.
The Frenchman is Chelsea’s midfield engine and his duel with Paul Pogba might go a long way in deciding the fate of the game.
He put in a brilliant shift in the last game against Southampton and registered a goal and an assist. He followed it up with solid performance for England and Sarri should hand him a start ahead of Mateo Kovacic.
The Brazilian has been a lively and influential figure in the final third and Sarri should hand him a start ahead of Pedro.
It is hard to mention in words how important he is for the Blues. The Belgian has been in tremendous scoring form and Chelsea will be looking up to him to propel them to a victory against United.
The Frenchman is yet to get his name on the scoresheet but has already chipped in with four assists. He is Chelsea’s target man and will once again play a key role.