Manchester United Vs Chelsea Tactical Preview: Tactics, Team News, Predicted Lineups And Key Men | OneFootball

Following a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Manchester United are hoping to transport their momentum into the Premier League when they lock horns with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday. It is going to be an important encounter for the Red Devils, who are looking to extend their winning run of three games in all competitions, following a disappointing start to the campaign.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have been equally inconsistent. And unlike Man United, the Blues haven’t had a great deal of form recently, notably being held to a 3-3 draw with Southampton in the last league game. They also failed to secure a win over Sevilla in the Champions League, succumbing to a goalless draw, so a win could be imperative for Frank Lampard’s men.

Manchester United Vs Chelsea Tactical Preview

Talking Tactics

Manchester United

Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer deployed a three-man backline when his team faced PSG in midweek. But, the Norwegian could revert to a back-four against Chelsea, with the more traditional setup likely to help the Red Devils win the midfield battle rather than focusing on defensive stability as they did in the last game.

Chelsea

Frank Lampard, meanwhile, has predominantly used a 4-2-3-1 and we could see no changes this time either. It will be interesting to see whether or not the Blues can maintain their defensive solidity, especially after conceding nine goals in their opening four matches this season. It won’t be surprising to see one of the midfielders staying deeper to act as an auxiliary centre-back.

Team News

Manchester United

Anthony Martial is unavailable for Manchester United due to suspension while Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood are doubts heading into this clash. Edinson Cavani could be available, though Solskjaer is unlikely to hand Cavani his United start in such a high-profile encounter. He might make a cameo from the bench though, with Marcus Rashford leading the United attack.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Greenwood, Rashford, Mata.

Chelsea

Frank Lampard doesn’t have to deal with too many injury-related absentees apart from Billy Gilmour and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Hakim Ziyech is slowly trying to recover to full fitness, though he once again featured as a substitute in the last game. It will be interesting to see whether or not Lampard opts for a similar lineup he used against Southampton last time out.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Zouma, Chilwell; Jorginho, Kante; Pulisic, Havertz, Mount; Werner.

Key Men

Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes has been an inspiration for Manchester United ever since he joined the club earlier this year. The Portuguese international played a key role in United’s win over PSG in midweek and fans will be hoping for a similar performance against Chelsea in this high-stake encounter.

Chelsea

As for Chelsea, they will be relying heavily on the services of Timo Werner. The German forward failed to score in midweek but netted twice in the draw with Southampton last weekend. His combination play with Havertz and form in front of goal could go a long way in shaping the fate of his team tomorrow.