Chelsea vs. Man United lineups, predicted starting 11, team news, injuries: Jackson banned, Amorim to rotate again

Chelsea host Manchester United on Friday in a Premier League game of far greater significance to the Blues than the Red Devils.

Last weekend's 2-0 loss at Newcastle United struck a blow to Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League. They come into this game in fifth place in the standings, but with Aston Villa level on points and Nottingham Forest only one behind, another slip-up could prove extremely damaging.

United are languishing in 16th place and already assured of their worst finish in the Premier League era, but their focus has been on the Europa League for some weeks now. With next Wednesday's final against Tottenham on the horizon, head coach Ruben Amorim is likely to make a number of changes to his lineup to keep his best performers fresh, even though he is desperate to avoid yet another defeat following a miserable 2-0 loss at home to West Ham last time out.

Enzo Maresca has a problem to solve in attack due to knocks and suspensions, while Amorim must balance keeping his players match fit while avoiding undue risk of injury. The lineups could be interesting.

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Chelsea vs. Man United lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Nicolas Jackson's red card at Newcastle last time out means he is banned for the rest of Chelsea's games this season.

That gives Maresca a decision to make in attack. With Christopher Nkunku struggling with a minor injury and Jadon Sancho ineligible to face his parent club due to the terms of his loan deal, youngster Tyrique George could be given his first Premier League start.

Marc Guiu could be back in the squad if his recovery from a thigh injury continues as planned.

Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella — Lavia, Caicedo — Neto, Palmer, Madueke — George

Injured: Guiu (thigh, doubt), Nkunku (undisc., doubt), Anselmino (thigh), Kellyman (thigh), Fofana (thigh)
Suspended: Jackson (red card), Mudryk (doping violation)
Ineligible: Sancho

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United's focus remains the Europa League final next week, so Amorim will almost certainly rotate his side again to keep players fresh.

Andre Onana could return in goal after sitting out the loss to West Ham, while Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu could all get a run-out from the start.

Leny Yoro went off with a foot problem against West Ham and will likely sit this one out, while Matthijs de Ligt will probably not be risked. Key first-team players such as Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo will presumably start but be substituted in the second half. 

Man United predicted lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw — Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Amass — Amad Diallo, Garnacho — Hojlund

Injured: De Ligt (knee, doubt), Yoro (foot), Heaven (ankle/foot), Collyer (leg), Zirkzee (thigh), Martinez (knee), Dalot (lower leg)
Suspended: None

Chelsea vs. Man United live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions: