Manchester United predicted line-up vs Chelsea as Erik ten Hag faces risky decision

Manchester United head to Chelsea on Thursday with several selection headaches for Erik ten Hag to deal with.

The main dilemma comes in central defence with uncertainty over whether Raphael Varane should be risked after picking up a knock against Brentford. The Frenchman will be available against Mauricio Pochettino's side but starting him will be a risk, and with United's absentees in Varane's position, they can ill afford more injuries.

With Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez out for at least a month, Ten Hag may have little choice but to start Varane alongside Harry Maguire. Willy Kambwala is an option, but the 19-year-old remains untested at this level.

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Elsewhere, expect Casemiro to return in defensive midfield after starting on the bench against Brentford. The Brazilian may not offer the protection he provided last season, but he represents a more natural fit in that position alongside Kobbie Mainoo than Scott McTominay.

Ten Hag may be tempted to rest 18-year-old Mainoo at some stage but the next two fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool are vital when it comes to United's Champions League ambitions. Mason Mount may have scored his first United goal at the weekend but it is too soon to start the attacking midfielder after such a lengthy injury layoff.

Despite creating next to nothing for much of the 90 minutes, United's best attack on paper remains Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund with Bruno Fernandes the creative force in midfield. Antony's performance as a substitute against Brentford did little to justify him starting against Chelsea.

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