Key man ruled out as Sarri makes 4 changes | Expected Chelsea line-up vs Man Utd

Chelsea will be looking to boost their top four hopes with a positive result against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Here is the side I think Maurizio Sarri will select for the game:

Goalkeeper: There is no point deliberating for too long over who’ll start in goal as Kepa Arrizabalaga is certain to retain his place ahead of Willy Caballero between the sticks this weekend.

Defence: Chelsea have been handed a major boost ahead of the game as Sarri confirmed at his pre-match press conference this afternoon that Antonio Rudiger is back in contention after making a swift recovery from a knee injury.

The German could replace Andreas Christensen in the middle of defence with David Luiz keeping his place while Cesar Azpilicueta is also expected to retain his shirt at right-back. Marcos Alonso could be back in contention if he recovers from a gluteal injury but Sarri may stick with Emerson Palmeiri at left-back against Man Utd.

Midfield: Chelsea will need to make a late decision on N’Golo Kante after the Frenchman was forced off with a rib injury during the 2-2 draw with Burnley on Monday night. The Blues will give Kante every chance to prove his fitness but Sarri says the midfielder remains a major doubt for the trip to Man Utd.

Jorginho will once again line-up in the deep-lying playmaker role but Ruben Loftus-Cheek could make way with Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic both pushing for recalls in the middle of the park.

Attack: Chelsea will be without Callum Hudson-Odoi as the teenager has been ruled out for at least three months with an Achilles injury so there is a place up for grabs in attack.

Willian is pushing for a recall but Pedro has been Sarri’s preferred choice and he’s been in good form lately so I think we’ll see the Spaniard coming-in and Willian having to make-do with a place on the bench once again.

Eden Hazard will obviously keep his place in attack and Chelsea will be looking to their star man to produce some moments of magic against Manchester United this weekend.

Gonzalo Higuain was on target during the 2-2 draw with Burnley and the South American is favourite to keep his place up front meaning Olivier Giroud may have to make-do with a place on the bench against United.

Here is how we think Chelsea will line-up:

CHECK OUT OUR PREDICTED MAN UTD XI HERE