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Liam Rosenior faces some tough decisions regarding his Chelsea line-up for this evening's match with Manchester United and here we predict the XI he will field at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is facing some really tough decisions regarding his line-up for this evening's Premier League clash with Manchester United.
Stamford Bridge plays host in what is looking like a must-win match for the Blues as they hunt down fifth-place Liverpool in the top-flight table. Champions League qualification will be secured with a top-five finish and as it stands, Chelsea are four points off that mark.
Rosenior's team have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions, which includes three straight Premier League defeats. Chelsea simply have to get some sort of positive result this evening or risk losing further ground on the league's top five positions.
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How will Rosenior set his team up at Stamford Bridge? Bobby Vincent predicts Chelsea's line-up below:
Robert Sanchez
Sanchez will continue in goal. There is no timeframe being put on when Filip Jorgensen will return from his injury.
Malo Gusto
Reece James remains absent as he recovers from his hamstring injury. Josh Acheampong has barely been used by Rosenior, so it seems fairly certain that Gusto will continue on the right-hand side of defence.
Wesley Fofana
Going into the Manchester City defeat, Fofana needed to up his level because he had been pretty dire in the weeks leading up to that. The Frenchman certainly improved in the 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge but was still not as his best. Fofana needs a big performance tonight, as do Chelsea.
Jorrel Hato
Trevoh Chalobah will undergo a late fitness test but it seems unlikely we will see him from the start against Man United. Hato, who has been tremendous under Rosenior, could continue alongside Fofana this evening.
Marc Cucurella
It seems fairly certain we will see Cucurella at left-back again. The Spain international, for whatever reason, has not been his usual consistent self in recent appearances but was slightly better in the Man City game six days ago.
Romeo Lavia
Rosenior mentioned after the City defeat that he needs to pick a side that will give the team the most balance. Usually when Lavia plays in the centre, Chelsea do look a more balanced outfit. Andrey Santos could drop to the bench for this one.
Moises Caicedo
Fresh off the back of signing a contract extension at Stamford Bridge, Caicedo is expected to start in the middle for the Blues. The Ecuadorian's form has not been great in recent weeks but hopefully with the contract situation now sorted, he will be playing with a bit more freedom.
Cole Palmer
Chelsea needed something special from their talisman last weekend against his former club City but he was unable to produce anything of the sort. No doubt about it, the 23-year-old's form is a concern, but he is set to start once again against the club he has been linked with a move to in recent months.
Enzo Fernandez
The Argentine midfielder is available again after serving his suspension that Chelsea imposed on him. Fernandez could start in the No.10 role, with Estevao Willian dropping out of the side. It will be interesting to see if Fernandez is given the captain's armband.
Pedro Neto
There is definitely a temptation to throw Alejandro Garnacho on the left wing against his former club, eager to prove a point. However, Neto's work-rate means he might get the nod over Garnacho.
Joao Pedro
The Brazilian is on the hunt for his 20th goal of the season and there would be no better time to get it than in such a crucial match. Liam Delap, once again, could be an option from the bench if Chelsea need something different in the second half.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
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