New Delhi: With the Red Devils likely to feel more confident after Erik ten Hag’s departure, what had appeared to be a lick-your-lips matchup for Enzo Maresca’s Blues no longer sounds so appetizing. On Van Nistelrooy’s managerial debut, United crushed Leicester in midweek, advancing to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals with a five-goal victory.
Chelsea, on the other hand, played Newcastle for the second consecutive game, but lost at St. James’ Park after defeating the Magpies 2-1 in the league on Sunday. The season has started off brightly enough for Maresca’s team, who are now six points ahead of their opponents on Sunday. Van Nistelrooy didn’t make any significant changes to his staff or system on Wednesday night, and the interim manager isn’t anticipated to reveal anything significant when Chelsea visits.
But United still has a long list of injuries. Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, and Kobbie Mainoo are all out for the hosts on Sunday, and Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are questionable. Lisandro Martinez is expected to partner Matthijs de Ligt at center-back, and Rasmus Hojlund and Noussair Mazraoui should both return to the starting lineup.
With Ben Chilwell maybe the only absence aside from the ineligible Jadon Sancho, who is also unwell and unable to play for his parent club, the Blues aren’t having any injury problems. Palmer may concentrate more on the left wing, as he did in last Sunday’s 2-1 victory over the Magpies, while Pedro Neto will start in Sancho’s place. Malo Gusto might start down the other flank, and captain Reece James might stay at left-back.
