James in, Caicedo out: Chelsea predicted XI for Manchester United clash
Chelsea host Manchester United in their final home match of the Premier League season with Enzo Maresca set to make some big team selection calls.
The Blues occupy the final Champions League spot ahead of their clash with the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United last time out, with goals arriving from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Chelsea could slip out of the top five if they fail to beat Ruben Amorim’s side on Friday, and fellow Champions League chasers Aston Villa beat Tottenham.
Maresca’s team selection will be dictated by the fact that loanee Jadon Sancho is unavailable for selection against his parent club, and Nicolas Jackson is suspended.
Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman, Christopher Nkunku, and Marc Guiu are all nursing injuries.
Football Insider takes a look at the starting 11 Chelsea could field against Man United at Stamford Bridge:
Reece James to replace Moises Caicedo, Tyrique George starts
Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez has appeared in 30 of Chelsea’s 36 Premier League outings this term and will likely remain between the sticks.
The Spain international has maintained eight clean sheets in the top-flight this season, with his most recent shutout arriving in a 1-0 victory over Everton on 26 April.
Reece James
Maresca has deployed Moises Caicedo in an unfamiliar right-back role in recent weeks, but Reece James could return to the starting lineup against Man United.
James appeared as a substitute against Newcastle, and may now be ready to get 90 minutes under his belt amid an otherwise injury-hit campaign.
Maresca could already be looking to rotate his squad with the Conference League final clash with Real Betis on 28 May in mind, which could lead to Caicedo being dropped.
Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah has been a Chelsea regular since returning from a loan spell with Crystal Palace in January.
His long-term future at Stamford Bridge could be in doubt, but the defender appears set to remain in the Blues’ lineup for now.
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill has enjoyed regular game time for the West London outfit this term, starting in all but three of their Premier League encounters.
The 22-year-old is highly likely to remain in Maresca’s team once more, and will hope to keep Amorim’s attackers at bay.
Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella has displayed both his defensive and attacking credentials this term, notching four goals and one assist in the Premier League.
The Euro 2024 champion will hope to cause Man United problems while also keeping the Red Devils’ frontline quiet.
Romeo Lavia
If James replaces Caicedo at fullback, former Southampton man Lavia could remain in central midfield, and will be eager to get back on form after a poor display against Newcastle last time out.
Lavia has started each of Chelsea’s last three Premier League games and will hope to make four consecutive starts.
Palmer and Madueke hoping to find their scoring boots
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has been one of the Blues’ standout performers this season, scoring seven goals and creating 13 assists across all competitions.
The Argentina international has made 13 goal contributions in the Premier League, most recently scoring in a 3-1 win over champions Liverpool on 4 May.
Tyrique George
Tyrique George is yet to make a Premier League start for Chelsea, but Jackson’s suspension, coupled with Nkunku’s injury, and the fact that Sancho is ineligible could hand the 19-year-old an exciting opportunity.
His form in the Conference League suggests he is ready to make a greater impact, while he scored in a substitute appearance in a 2-1 win against Fulham last month.
Cole Palmer
Although Cole Palmer has struggled in the second half of the season, he rightly remains one of the first names on Chelsea’s team sheet.
| Cole Palmer stats | 2024/25 Premier League |
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 8 |
The England star has notched 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League this campaign, and scored a penalty in his last Stamford Bridge appearance.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke is in poor form domestically, having failed to score in the top-flight since a 3-1 defeat at Manchester City in January.
However, the wideman has continued to show his threat in the Conference League, and will be eager to make a strong impact against Man United.
Pedro Neto
With Jackson suspended and Guiu injured, Maresca will be forced to select an unconventional striker on Friday.
Neto has previously led the line at Stamford Bridge on a makeshift basis, and could be given the nod against Amorim’s side.