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Chelsea are desperate for a turnaround after losing five of their last six matches, but face the daunting task of taking on Champions League contenders Manchester United on Saturday.
Last weekend's heavy 3–0 loss to Manchester City deepened a miserable run for Liam Rosenior and his squad, with mounting pressure to break into the top five and reclaim a Champions League spot. Sitting sixth and four points behind Liverpool, three points this weekend are non-negotiable.
Morale is at a low ebb at Stamford Bridge, though Chelsea can draw some encouragement from United's patchy recent form—Monday's loss to Leeds United means the Red Devils have claimed just one win from their last four outings.
Key Midfield Change Likely
Rosenior has revealed that Enzo Fernández is available for selection this weekend after serving an internal two-match ban imposed by Chelsea following his comments regarding a potential move to Real Madrid. Whether he walks straight back into the starting XI is yet to be determined.
The Chelsea manager also offered positive news on a pair of injured defenders. Trevoh Chalobah could be in contention this weekend after resuming training—Rosenior described him as "very, very close" to a return during his Friday press conference—while Levi Colwill is set to feature in an U-21s fixture on Friday as he edges closer to full fitness following an ACL injury.
Colwill will certainly not be available on Saturday, however, joining fellow Blues captain Reece James on the sidelines. Jamie Gittens and Filip Jörgensen are also sidelined through injury, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended pending the outcome of his potential doping violation.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd
GK: Robert Sánchez—One of the few players to avoid criticism in last weekend's dismal loss—an unusual occurrence for Sánchez of late—it was the Spaniard's red card in the fifth minute that proved pivotal in the 2–1 defeat to United back in September.
RB: Malo Gusto—Gusto spent much of last weekend pinned back by Jérémy Doku and will be eager to contribute more going forward this time out.
CB: Wesley Fofana—Fofana has rarely looked dependable under Rosenior and will face a stern examination from Benjamin Šeško or Bryan Mbeumo at Stamford Bridge.
CB: Jorrel Hato—Should Chalobah remain unavailable, Hato looks the most likely candidate to step in. The Dutchman has had a tough introduction to Premier League football.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Whether tasked with containing Mbeumo or Amad Diallo on United's right flank, Cucurella will back himself to come out on top.
DM: Andrey Santos—Chelsea's midfield struggled badly in the second half against City last Sunday, with Rosenior's trusted Santos failing to impress. The Brazilian faces a real challenge from Roméo Lavia for a starting berth against United.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Typically a reliable presence in the middle of the park, Caicedo's shaky performance against City was highlighted by a costly mistake that gifted Doku the third goal of the game.
RW: Cole Palmer—Having struggled against his former club, Palmer must now shine against the team he grew up supporting. He has contributed to just one goal in his last 11 appearances for Chelsea.
AM: Enzo Fernández—Fernández's absence was keenly felt last weekend and the Argentine has plenty to prove upon his return to the side against United. Chelsea desperately need a match-winner, and Fernández has a debt to repay following his recent remarks.
LW: Pedro Neto—Neto's lack of Premier League goals is becoming a growing concern. The Portuguese winger has not found the net in the competition since early December and continues to look short of his best.
ST: João Pedro—Even the Brazilian's individual quality has not been enough to bail Chelsea out of late. The team's poor form has dragged down his numbers, with just one goal in his last six appearances.
Read the Latest Chelsea News, Analysis and Insight From SI FC
Ewan Ross-Murray is a freelance soccer writer who focuses primarily on the Premier League. Ewan was born in Leicester, but his heart, and club allegiance, belongs to Liverpool.