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Chelsea vs Manchester United predicted XI: Ighalo expected to feature

By Prathamesh Murugesan

Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (L) and Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard gesture during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 30, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (L) and Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard gesture during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 30, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United speaks to Fred during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on February 01, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United speaks to Fred during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on February 01, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

CDM: Nemanja Matic

Matic is far from his best these days, but he still has the experience and tactical intelligence that once made him the best defensive midfielder in England.

With McTominay still injured, Matic is sure to start at Stamford Bridge against his former side. He has struggled at times this season, but should have it easier if Solskjær fields 3 center-backs.

His future at Old Trafford is a bit uncertain at the age of 31, but Monday will provide a good opportunity for him to show that he still has something to offer.

CDM: Fred

It’s a stark contrast from last season that Fred is now one of the first names on United’s teamsheet.

Easily the most improved player from last season, the Brazilian has come leaps and bounds from the hesitant, rash player he was last year. In spite of his diminutive frame, Fred has an ability to continuously keep the ball moving in midfield, and is also great at holding on to possession.

These qualities will be essential against Chelsea’s dynamic duo of N’golo Kante and Jorginho, and experience has shown that Fred will be up to the task.

CAM: Bruno Fernandes

It must be such a huge relief for United fans to see Bruno Fernandes in the starting XI instead of Jesse Lingard or Andreas Pereira.

After an impressive debut against Wolves, Fernandes will be fired up and eager to get back on the pitch, and he’s likely to take up a number 10 role with Matic returning from suspension.

Even after being shackled in a defensive role against Wolves, Fernandes produced more shots on target that anyone else. The Old Trafford faithful will be buzzing to see the damage he can do from a more advanced position.

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