Manchester United expected XI vs Chelsea as Erik ten Hag misses six crucial players

Erik ten Hag revealed on Wednesday afternoon that Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are in contention to feature for Manchester United against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues welcome the Red Devils to SW6 as both sides try to get back to winning ways after dismal draws at the weekend against Burnley and Brentford, respectively. Likewise, both sides are coping with their own injury crises ahead of the important Premier League fixture.

While Chelsea will be without Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana, and Christopher Nkunku for the game, United will be without six players. Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, and Altay Bayindir may all be out for tonight’s game, while Bayindir has a chance of returning to the team to give backup to Andre Onana.

Diogo Dalot looks to be Erik ten Hag’s go-to right-back at the moment. There is a paucity of alternatives in the centre of defence, even with Evans and Varane in contention to play. Harry Maguire may well accompany Varane at the heart of the visitors’ backline in the match in west London.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has started the last two matches at left-back in the continued absence of Shaw and Malacia. Lindelof has been a possibility for United on occasion on the left-hand side of the back four, but the Swede is also sidelined this evening.

The ever-impressive Kobbie Mainoo might start yet again in midfield for Manchester United. Scott McTominay started against Brentford at the weekend, but there might be a return to the squad for the seasoned Casemiro to partner Mainoo.

In assault, Ten Hag has some big decisions to make. Mason Mount scored his first goal for the club in the draw away at Brentford on Saturday evening, but his position in the lineup is not certain after recently recovering from a calf injury that kept him out of the squad for approximately four months.

Mount is due to make his first homecoming to Stamford Bridge since he left Chelsea last summer for £60 million to join United on a five-year contract. However, Marcus Rashford could be the guy Ten Hag looks to once again to face the Blues.

Bruno Fernandes appears like a dead cert to start in the No. 10 position, and Alejandro Garnacho might be used on the right wing to try to get at Marc Cucurella. Rasmus Hojlund is poised to lead the line for the visitors Thursday evening.