After a tough midweek Champions League defeat to Roma, Chelsea must regroup for the return of Jose Mourinho and his Man United side to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have stuttered at the start of this season and currently, sit nine points behind leaders Man City as their attempt to retain the Premier League title falters.
A comprehensive 3-0 defeat in Rome follows better performances in the league - albeit against lesser opposition - with two wins from the last two games.
| PLAYER | % MINS PLD | GLS | AST. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courtois | 0 | 1 | 0 / 0 | |
| Rudiger | 1 | 2 | 4 / 0 | |
| Cahill | 0 | 0 | 1 / 1 | |
| David Luiz | 2 | 0 | 4 / 1 | |
| Alonso | 2 | 1 | 3 / 0 | |
| Fabregas | 1 | 4 | 1 / 1 | |
| Bakayoko | 2 | 3 | 2 / 0 | |
| Azpilicuet | 2 | 4 | 1 / 0 | |
| Hazard | 3 | 4 | 0 / 0 | |
| Pedro | 3 | 3 | 0 / 0 | |
| Morata | 7 | 3 | 2 / 0 | |
| Totals | 23 | 25 | 18 / 3 |
| LINE-UP AVERAGES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| LINE-UP COMBINED RECORD | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAST MATCH - 31 Oct 2017 | ||||
3 - 0 | ||||
| 1 - 0 | ||||
| 2 - 0 | ||||
| 3 - 0 | ||||
| ALL MATCHES | ||||
| TOTAL PREMIER LEAGUE EXPERIENCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
The absence of N'Golo Kante in recent weeks has been seen by many as one of the major reasons Chelse have struggled. While nearing full fitness, manager Antonio Conte has said he will only play the French midfielder if he is 100 percent fit.
Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayokjo struggled in the centre of midfield against Roma, and Conte will be sorely tempted to draft in Kante.
Chelsea's defence was also suspect against Roma, and Conte must decide whether to persist with a back-three of Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger or bring Cesar Azpilicueta back in-field.
