Chelsea take on Manchester United at Old Trafford this afternoon, and we’ve had a crack at predicting how the Blues will lineup for the opening game of the season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, will be looking to build on what was a mightily impressive debut campaign as a Chelsea player.
Cesar Azpilicueta, who’ll be wearing the armband, has no competition for the right-back spot while Reece James continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Following the departure of David Luiz, with Antonio Rudiger still injured, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma look set to start the season as our centre-back pairing.
We predict that Emerson Palmieri will start the game ahead of Marcos Alonso, although it’s still unclear which one of our left-backs Frank Lampard prefers.
Moving into midfield, with N’Golo Kante not match fit, it seems likely that Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic will anchor the midfield at Old Trafford later today.
It’d be harsh to leave out Mason Mount, but considering the form of Ross Barkley, we see Lampard fielding him in the number 10 position for this one.
Pedro and Christian Pulisic will occupy the wide areas, with Tammy Abraham given the chance to lead the line ahead of Michy Batshuayi.
Do you agree, Blues? Would this team get the job done today?
