Man Utd vs Chelsea: Preview, predictions and lineups

Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge of his first Premier League game as Manchester United’s interim manager with Chelsea visiting Old Trafford on Sunday.

What once looked like a lick-your-lips fixture for Enzo Maresca’s Blues no longer seems so appetising with the Red Devils bound to be emboldened by Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. United were ruthless on Van Nistelrooy’s managerial bow in midweek as they put five past Leicester to advance into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Chelsea, meanwhile, faced up against Newcastle for the second game running but were defeated at St James’ Park having beaten the Magpies 2-1 in the league last Sunday.

Maresca’s side have made a bright enough start to the season and are considerably better off than Sunday’s opponents, who are six points.

Here is 90min’s guide to Man Utd vs Chelsea.

Man Utd vs Chelsea H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

While Ruben Amorim has been named United’s next manager following the departure of Ten Hag, the former Portugal international won’t take charge just yet as he will manage three final Sporting CP games before the November break.

There was no drastic systematic or personnel overhaul from Van Nistelrooy on Wednesday night and no big surprises are expected from the interim boss for Chelsea’s visit.

However, United’s injury list is still extensive. The hosts are without Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Kobbie Mainoo on Sunday, while Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are doubts.

Noussair Mazraoui and Rasmus Hojlund should both come back into the starting XI, with Lisandro Martinez set to partner Matthijs de Ligt at centre-back.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Eriksen; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

Chelsea’s ‘B team’ couldn’t get the business done at St James’ Park on Wednesday, with Maresca set to return to his preferred XI at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Blues aren’t struggling on the injury front, with Ben Chilwell potentially the only absentee excluding the ineligible Jadon Sancho, who cannot face his parent club and is also ill.

Pedro Neto will start in Sancho’s absence and Palmer could focus his attention more towards the left flank as he did during last Sunday’s 2-1 win against the Magpies. Captain Reece James may also continue at left-back with Malo Gusto starting down the opposite flank.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Wednesday’s feel-good atmosphere will evolve into one of distinct fervency on Sunday as contemporary rivals Chelsea visit Old Trafford. It was utter chaos the last time these two sides met, with Palmer inspiring the Blues to victory as he so often does.

With Van Nistelrooy bound to release the shackles, entertainment is in store on Sunday afternoon. The Dutchman’s presence on the touchline will do his team the world of good and a rampant Theatre of Dreams is bound to make life incredibly tough for the visitors.

Chelsea, though, have often proven to be efficient when progressing upfield with possession and are bound to test United’s defensive structure persistently in this one. This could be a thrilling affair in which neither side establishes control, leading to a high-scoring draw which would probably satisfy both managers.

Prediction: Man Utd 2-2 Chelsea

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