Chelsea are currently preparing to host Manchester United for their final home match of the 2024/25 season.
The Blues welcome Man Utd to Stamford Bridge on Friday night for a fixture with contrasting interest for the teams.
Man Utd, who sit 16th in the Premier League, will surely have one eye on the Europa League final that takes place against Tottenham next Wednesday.
As for Chelsea, they desperately need three points in their penultimate league match. They are in a super tight battle to stay in the top five positions and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
It’s going to be interesting to see the team that Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca selects against Man Utd. Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Newcastle United last Sunday means the striker is unavailable for the final two league matches.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Manchester United
The Chelsea Chronicle predicts the Blues XI we’re expecting to see start the match at home to Man Utd.
Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez, who’s finishing the season as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, will likely start again in goal. He will be desperate to add to his tally of eight clean sheets in 30 Premier League appearances this campaign.
Reece James
We’re predicting a change at right-back with Blues captain Reece James returning to start after he impressed off the bench in the defeat against Newcastle. It’s quite telling that Magpies boss Eddie Howe praised Reece James’ quality after last weekend’s display at St James’ Park. With no European tie in midweek, James should be fit and fresh to start against Man Utd in a must-win fixture.
Trevoh Chalobah
It could be an eighth consecutive Premier League start for Trevoh Chalobah in Chelsea’s XI. Even though it was the first half of the season, it feels like a long time ago since the centre-half was on loan at Crystal Palace.
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill will retain his starting position again as a key starter in the heart of defence. Chelsea fans think Levi Colwill has stepped up his individual levels in recent weeks, praising his display in the spirited loss against Newcastle.
Marc Cucurella
One of the dead certs of the Blues this season has been Marc Cucurella starting at left-back. He very rarely lets the team down with his contribution, too.
Moises Caicedo
While Moises Caicedo has been playing as a right-back who inverts into midfield during recent matches, we’re predicting he’ll be back in the centre of the park against Man Utd from the start. Moises Caicedo’s full-back position has angered Pat Nevin because he’s adamant he should be in his usual midfield position.
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia starts again in the predicted XI, and it’s fantastic for supporters to see him start a run of games without an injury interruption. Let’s hope he can pull the strings at the base of midfield.
Pedro Neto
In the front four of the pitch is where the team selection gets interesting due to the fact that Jackson is suspended and Jadon Sancho is unavailable against his parent club. On the right wing, Pedro Neto could get the nod again as he continues to start in his favoured role.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez, who’s been outstanding in the second half of the season, is likely to start again for the Blues. We expect to see him play a massive role again as an advanced midfielder with a responsibility to crash into the penalty box.
Noni Madueke
The left wing spot could go to Noni Madueke again. Noni Madueke doesn’t enjoy playing left-winger, but it’s his best route into the team right now.
Cole Palmer
With Jackson unavailable, all eyes will be on who replaces him in the starting line-up. While Tyrique George will surely be in the manager’s thinking to lead the line, we think Cole Palmer may receive the nod to start in the false-nine position against Man Utd. In a game of this magnitude, Maresca may look to find a way of getting his most experienced individuals into the same XI, so the decision for Palmer to spearhead the attack is plausible.
