Fernandez Benched, James Starts, No Cucurella: The Chelsea Line-Up Maresca Should Choose Against Man Utd
Enzo Maresca faces some difficult decisions ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon as the Blues look to pick up a rare victory at Old Trafford
Chelsea will aim to secure their first Premier League win at Old Trafford since 2013 as they face Manchester United this Sunday. The Blues have struggled on United’s turf for a decade but are looking to capitalize on recent upheaval in Manchester. Following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday, Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in as interim manager, presenting Chelsea with a potential advantage amid the Red Devils’ transitional phase.
Ruben Amorim has been named the new head coach but won’t join Manchester United until later in the month, meaning he won’t be on the sidelines for their clash with Chelsea this weekend. Maresca, in his Friday press conference, avoided discussing United’s situation and focused on his team, with several big decisions to make for Sunday.
Bobby Vincent advocates for Robert Sanchez to start in goal, given Filip Jorgensen’s midweek appearance in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle. While neither keeper has consistently impressed this season, Vincent believes Maresca will likely stick with Sanchez at Old Trafford, showing continued trust in him for this pivotal match.
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Bobby Vincent
Bobby Vincent suggests a more balanced and defensive-minded lineup for Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford. Reece James should return to his usual spot at right-back, allowing Malo Gusto to switch to the left. Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill are set to anchor the center of defense, with Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo positioned just in front of them to provide additional cover and control.
In attack, Vincent proposes Noni Madueke on the right and Pedro Neto on the left, both of whom bring creativity and pace. Cole Palmer would operate centrally behind Nicolas Jackson. Though Jadon Sancho is ineligible, Neto’s recent strong form offers plenty of promise on the left flank.
Bobby’s XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Sam Truelove
Manchester United confirmed Ruben Amorim as their new manager, but he won’t officially take charge until November 11, meaning he’ll miss this weekend’s clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford. The appointment has lifted the mood around United, yet Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side has a prime chance to make a statement against a team in transition.
In goal, Robert Sanchez would be my choice, supported by Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill as the central defensive pairing. Reece James should start at right-back, as he’s looked sharp since returning from injury. On the left, I’d go with Marc Cucurella, despite the tough call over benching Malo Gusto. This lineup could offer Chelsea a solid mix of experience and dynamism as they aim to exploit any unsettled moments in United’s setup.
Sam Truelove’s lineup aims to give Chelsea both defensive solidity and attacking flair as they take on Manchester United. In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have developed a promising partnership, and they’ll need to be sharp to help Chelsea control the game. Just ahead of them, Cole Palmer will seek to build on his impressive season, aiming for his eighth Premier League goal.
On the wings, Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto are the preferred choices, with their speed and skill posing a potential threat to United’s defense. Leading the line is Nicolas Jackson, who’s been in great form with nine-goal contributions in as many league matches.
Sam’s XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.