Predicted Chelsea starting XI to face Man Utd with change expected from Newcastle United win

Chelsea are back in action on Sunday when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Blues are on the edge of the top four, just one point behind fourth placed Aston Villa after last weekend’s impressive win over Newcastle United.

The fixtures get no easier, though, with a trip to United on the cards this weekend, and while the Red Devils have not performed well this season, a team that has just sacked their manager is a often a dangerous one, and particularly given they have already appointed a new boss, who will be watching from afar. Focusing on the Blues, here we round up the predicted Chelsea starting XI for this one.

GK - Robert Sanchez

Filip Jorgensen might be pushing Sanchez for a start, but the Spaniard is likely to remain between the sticks.

RB - Reece James

Maresca was critical of James last weekend, but he is likely to keep face with his skipper as he continues to get minutes under his belt.

CB - Wesley Fofana

Fofana remains one of the main options at centre-back amid strong performances this season. It’s good to see him remaining fit.

CB - Levi Colwill

Colwill and Fofana have formed a nice partnership at the centre of defence.

LB - Marc Cucurella

Cucurella has been in fine form for some time, and he looks likely to get his place back after missing out last weekend.

CM - Moises Caicedo

Caicedo has picked up form this season and remains a preferred option in the middle.

CM - Romeo Lavia

Lavia has been a regular choice in the middle, with Maresca seemingly not getting on well with Enzo Fernandez at the moment. Maresca has said of Lavia and Caicedo: “It's a matter of balance. In this moment, Romeo and Moi give us physicality and strength in the middle.”

LW - Pedro Neto

Neto got the start for the win last weekend, and he is likely to keep his place here with Mykhaylo Mudrik still not at the level Maresca needs.

Madueke remains one of Chelsea’s most dangerous players and will surely start here.

Maresca is likely to keep faith with his in-form striker ahead of Christopher Nkunku.