After a hard fought 1000 mile trip to Russia that yielded a 1-1 draw against FC Rostov in the Europa League, Manchester United are busy in yet another cup competition this week when they face Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Having beaten Blackburn in the previous round of the competition, Manchester United were given the toughest draw in the competition as they will have to travel to Stamford Bridge to face the in-form Chelsea. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are now unbeaten since the start of the year and are expected to fight for this trophy in addition to the league challenge. They beat Wolves comfortably in the previous round but this would be their toughest game so far in their FA Cup journey this season. Mourinho revealed that he will not play a weak team for this tie, which might see him go with his strongest squad for this game.
Team News:
Manchester United will be without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is out suspended while Fosu Mensah will remain the only other injury concern for Mourinho ahead of his return to the Bridge.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup To Face Chelsea
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: David de Gea
De Gea is first choice shot-stopper for United this season and will start in goal for this trip to the Stamford Bridge.
RB: Antonio Valencia
The ever reliable full-back for Manchester United, Valencia will have his work cut out against the likes of Hazard, Willian and Pedro in this game against Chelsea.
CB: Chris Smalling
The English defender has been decent in the last few games and Mourinho should stick with him at the heart of the defence for his side.
CB: Eric Bailly
Bailly has been excellent in recent games and he should partner Smalling at centre-back for this tie.
LB: Marcos Rojo
Though more effective as a centre-back, Rojo has also been used to good effect at right-back and he should start this game to try and give Manchester United some extra cover at the back.
RCM: Ander Herrera
The Spanish midfielder has been in superb form this season for the Red Devils and he should play on the right side of the midfield three for United in this game.
CM: Michael Carrick
The veteran midfielder was rested for the trip to FC Rostov but Mourinho should bring him back to the starting XI to add some mettle to the midfield.
LCM: Paul Pogba
The French sensation had a bad game in Russia but he is an important part of the plans and should start this tie.
RW: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian winger was on target in the game against FC Rostov and he will be up against the likes of Alonso and Cahill in this trip to London.
LW: Anthony Martial
The French attacker has been in fantastic form of late for Manchester United and he will have to be at his creative best if his team is to progress into the next round.
ST: Marcus Rashford
With Zlatan absent for this game, Mourinho should bring in the young English striker to lead the attack for his side in this crunch game.
Here is how they would line up: