How should Chelsea line up against Third-Season Mourinho’s Manchester United?

Proper football is back this weekend and it restarts with a bang as Manchester United come to Stamford Bridge for Saturday’s early kick-off. There’s a small chance José Mourinho won’t be on the touchline, but with him or without him, United will be a tough nut to crack. An early goal like Pedro’s first-minute strike two years ago could certainly be useful.

Chelsea appear to be the healthier of the two sides coming out of the international break, with youngster Ethan Ampadu the only confirmed casualty of the FIFA-mandated distraction. The Wales midfielder missed his country’s second match, though he was unlikely to feature for Sarri anyway, just as he has (or hasn’t, as it were) through the season so far.

Antonio Rüdiger, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Pedro were battling various knocks and injuries before the break, but they all should’ve used the two weeks to get fully fit and ready to rock and roll.

Five of the seven games between the October and November international breaks will be at home for the Blues. This game is by far the toughest test (on paper anyway). Chelsea are level with the leaders on points (second on goal difference). United are struggling in eighth.

Must win. Have to have it.

Choose wisely (click that link if the form below is broken).

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