Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man Utd - Premier League
By Tom Gott
Chelsea can move one step closer to guaranteeing Champions League football next season with victory on Thursday against a Manchester United side whose own hopes would likely be ended with defeat.
A nervy 1-0 win over West Ham preserved Chelsea's comfortable advantage in the top-four race. The Blues have a seven-point cushion as well as this game in hand, so another victory would be massive.
Thomas Tuchel is still without some big players but is hopeful of having a few familiar faces back, so here's how he could set up.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man Utd (3-4-2-1)
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Tuchel has admitted that talks over Kepa Arrizabalaga's future will have to be had this summer because of the impressive performances of Mendy.
Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - Ended his mystery exile against West Ham after Andreas Christensen was taken ill and proved that he deserves more minutes.
Thiago Silva (CB) - The veteran defender's legs might be shot but if Chelsea win here, Silva can enjoy plenty of rest between now and the end of the season.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - Rudiger is back in training after recovering from an injury and Tuchel will be hopeful of getting him into the starting lineup.
Reece James (RM) - The same goes for James, although Tuchel may opt for the more-experienced Cesar Azpilicueta.
N'Golo Kante (CM) - Mateo Kovacic is still out so there'll be no rest for Kante right now.
Jorginho (CM) - Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been earning more minutes as of late but it's hard to imagine Jorginho missing this one.
Marcos Alonso (LM) - Alonso's tired legs have to keep going as there is nobody to replace him.
Mason Mount (AM) - United don't deal well with being pressed so expect Mount to play a big role in deciding this one.
Kai Havertz (AM) - Christian Pulisic scored the winner against West Ham but Havertz has been Chelsea's best attacker over the past few months and will likely keep his place.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) - This is a huge game for Lukaku to start in but the Belgian changed the game off the bench last time out and will hope to use that momentum to start another bounce-back.