Manchester United vs Chelsea prediction – Chelsea line-up

Chelsea play their first competitive game under new manager Frank Lampard against rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

The standout fixture from the opening round of the Premier League games, this clash will see two of the youngest managers in the division go head-to-head.

Both teams have had their problems in the transfer window with Chelsea being banned from signing players. The Blues lost Eden Hazard early in the window and David Luiz joining Arsenal was a major surprise.

Manchester United signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire but sold Romelu Lukaku without bringing a replacement.

Lampard’s side have been impressive during pre-season but the real test starts against the Red Devils.

The England legend did extremely well with Derby County last time around and a step up to the Premier League is a real barometer of his managerial nous.

The Blues have fielded some young players in pre-season and they should be given more minutes in the campaign.

Predicted Chelsea XI

Formation – 4-2-3-1

Manager – Frank Lampard

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

Kepa had a tough start to his Chelsea career but did well to end the season on a high. The Spaniard should do well at Old Trafford and will aim to keep a clean sheet.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

The Chelsea defender was not consistent last season and will face a real test if he faces Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford.

Kurt Zouma (CB)

Zouma impressed on loan at Everton last season and has to be first-choice after Luiz’s exit.

Andreas Christensen (CB)

The Dane wasn’t played regularly under Maurizio Sarri but should start now given that Antonio Rudiger is also recovering from a knee injury.

Emerson (LB)

Marcos Alonso would have been a sure-shot starter last season but the Spaniard’s dip in form, coupled with Emerson’s rise, should see the younger defender take up the role.

N’Golo Kante (CM)

Kante got a few minutes in a recent pre-season clash and could start the game ahead of Mateo Kovacic.

Jorginho (CM)

The Italian took time to acclimatise to the Premier League last season but has looked much better in a 4-2-3-1 rather than Sarri’s 4-3-3.

Pedro (RAM)

Pedro should get the nod to start down the right due to the injuries picked up by Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Ross Barkley (CAM)

Barkley has done extremely well in pre-season and should start ahead of another impressive performer, Mason Mount.

Christian Pulisic (LAM)

Pulisic could be one of the best players in the Premier League this season. The American has impressed during pre-season and should trouble the United defence on Sunday.

Read more Chelsea news, click here – Chelsea latest news

Olivier Giroud (ST)

Giroud should start ahead of Tammy Abraham, given his experience. The Blues also have one eye on the UEFA Super Cup where Lampard could mix his team up.