How Manchester United should line up vs Chelsea in Premier League fixture

Manchester United just need a single point against Chelsea to qualify for Champions League football next season.

United defeated Bournemouth 1-0 on the road last weekend and Liverpool, who had gained momentum in recent weeks, drew against Aston Villa, meaning a top four finish is now within touching distance for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Ten Hag will be hopeful of a win against Chelsea on Thursday night regardless. The London club have endured a trainwreck season and they are currently 12th in the Premier League, despite spending more than £600million this term.

Regarding team news, Marcus Rashford was absent against Bournemouth due to illness but he returned to training this week.

Samuel Luckhurst

Wan-Bissaka was good again at the weekend but United have to plan with Wembley in mind and Diogo Dalot is the more flexible right-back. He has not started since Brighton.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen should continue while Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have to come in. Jadon Sancho was fortunate to start at Bournemouth and Anthony Martial was removed before the hour. Rashford should also start through the middle at Wembley.

Steven Railston

I would make just one change from the team last weekend, with Rashford returning to the side at the expense of Sancho. The latter has failed to make a strong impression again this season and he needs to do more if he wants to retain a starting role.

With just a single point needed for Champions League football, Old Trafford should be rocking and a midfield three of Casemiro, Eriksen and Fernandes has been instrumental in restoring United to the top four places.

Chelsea are a complete mess and it would be excellent to see them put to the sword.

United know that they need just a point to get the job done, but that will not automatically result in Ten Hag taking any chances and looking too far ahead. He will expect his side to add another win to their tally and deliver the kind of performance he expects week-in, week-out.

The same back-four has started each of the last two matches and has kept a clean sheet in each of them, meaning there shouldn’t be any reason to tinker in that regard. Should they get the job done against Chelsea, though, the clash with Fulham might be the time to make a change or two.

With that said, the midfield should also remain unchanged. In attack, Rashford should return in place of Sancho, who is continuing to falter. Garnacho might get his chance from the start on Sunday instead.