da brdice： With just seven games to go, Chelsea have one hand on the Premier League trophy already, but the race is not yet run.
da bet sport： Spurs’ relentless form means that they are still lurking seven points behind Antonio Conte’s leaders and although that appears too sizable a gap, two losses could see the buffer the Blues have built up crumble and make for a dramatic end to the campaign.
So, Manchester United is a worrying fixture then. Granted, the Red Devils haven’t been all that special this term, but with a 21-game unbeaten run in league action heading into this one and a manager in Jose Mourinho who would love nothing more than to get one over on the club that sacked him last season, there’s plenty to be anxious about.
With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI Conte should select for his team’s trip to the Theatre of Dreams for another win to take them towards the title…
GK – Thibaut Courtois
Manchester United away should grant Courtois the chance to maintain his ever-present Premier League status this season. The Belgian has been solid at the very back of this Chelsea team all campaign long and, barring injury, he’ll be one of the first names on Conte’s team-sheet.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has once again shown his versatility and quality across the season, adapting perfectly to be one of Conte’s three centre-backs. The former Osasuna star may be somewhat vulnerable to high balls hung up at the back post, bit he reads the game well and is good with the ball at his feet.
CB – David Luiz
While N’Golo Kante is being talked up as the signing of the season, Luiz has every right to feel that his name should be in that conversation. Few predicted that the Brazilian would be anything other than a big-money flop when Chelsea paid a sizable fee to lure him back from Paris Saint-Germain last year, but the 29-year-old has looked assured and composed as part of a back three, with the added cover distracting from flaws in his game while magnifying all that he’s good at.
CB – Gary Cahill
Conte may have experimented with Kurt Zouma in his team of late, but for such a big match he’ll surely go tried and tested, which means Cahill will complete his preferred defensive triumvirate. The experienced centre-back is the leader of the trio and will be vital against the physically imposing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
RWB – Victor Moses
The fact Chelsea missed him so dearly during his recent injury absence speaks volumes for Moses’ revival this season. A somewhat forgotten man at Chelsea after a succession of loan spells away from the club, Conte has harnessed his pace and stocky physicality of the right flank, slotting him in as a wing-back to great effect.
CM – N’Golo Kante
Kante has been terrific all season long and his sheer energy may be vital against a Man United team that will be somewhat drained by a Thursday night trip to Anderlecht in the Europa League. The Frenchman, who will be fully rested, should be able to dominate the middle of the pitch and get Chelsea on the ball.
CM – Nemanja Matic
One of the few real choices Conte will have to make is Matic or Cesc Fabregas and we think he’ll go for the former to partner Kante. The Serbian is another Chelsea player reborn this term and in a big game his defensive nous and physical presence will be vital.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
Fresh from scoring a sumptuous free-kick at Bournemouth, Alonso will be full of confidence for a trip to Old Trafford. The Spaniard has been a real outlet on the left-flank all season long, with his expert delivery and well-timed runs at the back post a somewhat underappreciated outside of the Blues’ camp.
RF – Pedro
Pedro has successfully ousted Willian from the Chelsea XI this season, which really is some going given how good the Brazilian has been in the blue shirt. Pedro, as an inside forward, offers the sort of intricate play and finishing prowess around the 18-yard box that’s needed in a 3-4-3 set-up and his link-up play with Diego Costa has been terrific all season long.
LF – Eden Hazard
Nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, Hazard will be eager to put in another stellar performance on the biggest stage and he has the skillset to be the key player at Old Trafford. The Belgian will be particularly threatening against a Man United XI that will start to feel the effects of a Thursday night European match in the second 45 minutes.
ST – Diego Costa
Costa is on somewhat of a barren run in Premier League action, with the Spaniard having not netted since the Blues’ win at West Ham in early March. However, Man United will be wary of the burly forward who is a big-game player and the sort of striker that puts away chances in ruthless fashion, so long as they’re supplied to him.