Manchester United are back in Premier League action this weekend after Michael Carrick’s first game in charge of the side as caretaker manager ended in a 2-0 win at Villarreal.
The victory in Spain, United’s first away win in the Champions League since last season’s win at Paris Saint-Germain, sealed United’s passage to the knockout round as group winners.
Carrick is expected to be in charge against Chelsea this Sunday but with Ralf Rangnick’s appointment seen as imminent, the former United midfielder will most likely step back in time for next week’s clash against Arsenal.
David de Gea was one of few players to come out of last week’s defeat to Watford with their head held high and the Spaniard is expected to feature again.
Harry Maguire is unavailable after picking up a red card in London and Raphael Varane remains on the sidelines. Eric Bailly will be hoping for another chance to impress.
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Chelsea are the league leaders and one of the favourites to take home the Premier League crown this season – Carrick will be aiming for a resolute and compact midfield. Fred and Scott McTominay have a better record in big games than any other pairing at the club and they are expected to be involved.
Further up the pitch, Jadon Sancho looks to have finally had his breakthrough at the club. Despite the four-goal thumping against Watford, the 21-year-old was impressive and he carried that form with him into the win at Villarreal.
Sancho scored his first goal for United in the closing exchanges of the game and was visibly relieved to have broken that goalscoring duck. He will be desperate to keep his place against Chelsea.
Predicted Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo
