With a crucial win over Spanish league leaders Atletico Madrid with the help of Giroud’s sensational overhead kick, Chelsea face Manchester United next in the Premier League. This marks the beginning of a tough run of fixtures for the Blues with Liverpool, Everton and Leeds lined up next. The results in these games will be significant for their Champions League qualification aspirations for the upcoming season.
With three draws in their last five Premier League games, Manchester United now see themselves ten points behind leaders Manchester City. Chelsea on the other hand look fresh under new boss Thomas Tuchel but are still lacking the edge in the final third. Thiago Silva remains a doubt but with Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic back from injuries Tuchel has a vast number of options to choose from.
Let us take a look at how Thomas Tuchel might line his Chelsea team up for this six-pointer on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
THE 3-4-2-1
The 3-4-2-1 is the system that has been used by Tuchel since his arrival and has worked wonders for Chelsea as they are now unbeaten in eight games under their new manager.
Edouard Mendy is expected to retain his place in the goal. Tuchel will most likely stick to the back three of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta who were all brilliant against Atletico. The duo of Reece James and Ben Chilwell might get the nod over Marcos Alonso and Hudson-Odoi to keep the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in check.
In the midfield, N’golo Kante who had an excellent game against Southampton may be preferred over Jorginho to counter the dangerous Bruno Fernandes. Mason Mount has become undroppable even for Tuchel and is expected to start with Timo Werner in the attack. Olivier Giroud might replace Tammy Abraham who has struggled to find goals in his recent games.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 was Chelsea’s go to system until the arrival of Thomas Tuchel. In this system Kurt Zouma might partner Antonio Rudiger instead of Christensen as he can give Manchester United headaches during set pieces. Manchester United have been free scoring this season and are leading in terms of goals scored this season. It will be interesting to see Reece James defend against the electric pace of Marcus Rashford.
Hakim Ziyech has not featured much under Tuchel but in this system he may be preferred and will look to impress by whipping in dangerous balls for Werner and Giroud. United have looked shaky at the back numerous times this season and Chelsea will surely look to exploit that.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is another alternative for Tuchel to line up a strong eleven with the players at his disposal. Kovacic and Kante have been excellent when played together and can operate as a double pivot to make the midfield more stable. Chelsea have controlled the midfield in every game under Tuchel but know very well that it won’t be easy to do the same with Fred and McTominay pressing relentlessly.
Chelsea are currently six points behind Manchester United which further increases the importance of this game for both sides. The reverse fixture at Old Trafford ended goalless but with the attacking talents in both these teams we should expect goals at the Bridge. Regardless, we should look forward to a fantastic game of football between two long time rivals in the English game.
