Chelsea will hope to return to winning ways when they face Manchester United on Saturday.
The latest instalment of one of the Premier League’s great rivalries will see the Blues visit Old Trafford off the back of a 3-1 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last time out.
In the Premier League, Enzo Mareaca’s side have won two of their four matches so far this term.
United, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start to the new season and currently sit 14th in the top flight table.
Here, we predict the XI that Maresca will select for the visit to face United.
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez has established himself as the Blues’ first-choice ‘keeper this season, having jostled with Filip Jorgensen for the position last term. The Spaniard will start against United and aim to keep his third clean sheet of the season.
Defenders
At the back, Reece James could return to his usual spot at right-back having started in midfield against Bayern. The Chelsea captain has struggled with injuries over recent years, but has featured in all five of Maresca’s side matches so far this season.
In the middle of defence, Trevoh Chalobah is likely to once again be partnered by Tosin Adarabioyo. The pair started the defeat in Germany in midweek, when Chalobah scored an unfortunate own goal.
Marc Cucurella has now played 120 times in the Premier League, and the Spain international is set to start on Saturday.
Cucurella will start at left-back against United (Photo: DPA Picture Alliance/Alamy)
Midfielders
In midfield, Maresca is set to once again opt for a pairing of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. The pair have forged an impressive partnership in midfield over the past 18 months, and Maresca will hope to see them win the battle in the middle of the park at Old Trafford.
Ahead of them, talisman Cole Palmer will hope to continue his good run of form. The England international missed two games due to injury last month, but has since scored against both Brentford and Bayern Munich.
Palmer scored a superb goal against Bayern on Wednesday (Photo: Sipa US/Alamy)
Forwards
In attack, Maresca could once again give Pedro Neto the nod on the right flank.
Through the middle, Joao Pedro will once again lead the line. The Brazilian has made an impressive start to his Chelsea career, scoring five times and providing three assists in eight gams for the club across all competitions.
On the left, Maresca could hand a first start to winger Alejandro Garnacho, against his former club. The Argentine swapped Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge last month, and has since made two substitute appearances for the Blues.
Garnacho could be in line to make his first start for Chelsea (Photo: Sipa US/Alamy)
Predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Palmer, Fernandez; Neto, Pedro, Garnacho.
