Chelsea vs Manchester United predicted XI: Ighalo expected to feature

LWB: Brandon Williams

In his last couple of matches against top 6 opposition, Solskjær has chosen to go with 5 at the back, with Brandon Williams at left wing-back.

The 19-year-old academy lad has been United’s most unexpected breakthrough star this season, arguably eclipsing even Mason Greenwood. He’s been solid defensively and offensively, and can be relied upon to keep Callum Hudson-Odoi quiet on Chelsea’s right flank.

While it’s generally hard to predict the formation that Solskjær will go with in similar matches, it’s slightly more likely that he’ll choose to sit deep on enemy territory, and Williams can be a powerful outlet on the counter.

CB: Luke Shaw

Since Shaw returned from injury, he’s struggled to be effective going forward, but has seen a massive improvement defensively.

Solskjær has even trusted him enough to deploy him as a third center-back on occasion, even though Eric Bailly has regained enough fitness to start playing.

Shaw will probably be positioned on the left side of United’s defense if they play a back 5, and will be tasked with starting attacks from the left.

CB: Harry Maguire

After some shaky performances, Harry Maguire has started to resemble the player he was at Leicester that United paid £80 million for.

He’s gained a lot of confidence after scoring a superb goal against Tranmere Rovers last month, and will be crucial in stopping Tammy Abraham.

Maguire is sometimes more effective playing as a left-sided center-half because of his abilities to bring the ball out from the back, but defensive solidity will be a higher priority on Monday.

CB: Victor Lindelof

Like Maguire, Lindelof made some costly errors at the start of the season, but has gradually improved to become a calming influence at the back for United.

There are few defenders who are as confident on the ball as the Swedish international. With Tuanzebe and Bailly on the verge of returning, Solskjær will finally have a decent group of defenders to choose from.

His partnership with Maguire has also been steadily improving, and a clean sheet against Chelsea will be a huge confidence boost.

RWB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

This should be Solskjær’s easiest choice to make.

Wan-Bissaka has developed into the Premier League’s best one-on-one defender at just the age of 22, and has also slowly improved his crossing and dribbling.

While he will undoubtedly be one of the United’s most important defensive players against Chelsea, he’ll also have to venture forward more often to support attacks.