With less than a week remaining for a tilt at Europa League glory and the rewards it offers, Manchester United return to Premier League duty against a Chelsea side with aspirations of acquiring Champions League football.
A staggering 24 points and 11 places separate the teams before their Friday night meeting, with Enzo Maresca’s men aiming to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Newcastle.
In contrast, Ruben Amorim hasn’t enjoyed a Premier League triumph since a 3-0 win against relegated Leicester two months ago.
Naturally, there is ample anticipation for confirmation of the starting XI, with many expecting notable rotations to ensure as close to a full-strength unit to face Spurs in Bilbao.
But a considerably strong contingent has made up the travelling party, with a couple of returning bodies set to bolster morale within an undeniably wounded supporter base.
Manchester United team news for Chelsea outing
Per George Smith in the MEN, Ayden Heaven and Toby Collyer were with the group that arrived at Stockport station on Thursday afternoon.
Heaven has been absent since enduring a setback against the Foxes in March. The youngster had impressed with a series of standout displays, and his inclusion offers a fresh possibility of additional defensive options for Wednesday’s crunch outing.
Collyer looks set to feature at Stamford Bridge for the first time since an April appearance on the bench against Nottingham Forest. The 21-year-old has endured a stop/start campaign but is held in high regard by Amorim.
Fresh off his Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, Harry Amass is expected to line out against the Blues as he continues his senior development.
Additionally, Tyler Fredricson is keen to add to his first-team portfolio after collecting his deserved Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year recognition.
Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Amad, Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have all travelled for first-team duty.
Despite the domestic capitulation in the North West, United have only endured a solitary Premier League defeat in the previous 14 meetings with Chelsea (five wins, eight draws).
That said, you must rewind to the days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the last victory in London in February 2020, with goals from Anthony Martial and Maguire sealing three points.
Ironically, Chelsea have not lost their final home league outing in any of the previous 22 seasons, setting the tone for an intriguing affair in the competition’s most drawn fixture (27).
How do you feel about the latest domestic test for a continental-chasing Manchester United? Can we spoil Chelsea’s European ideals?
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