Pundit Predictions: Who will start v Chelsea?

Thursday 04 April 2024 11:34

MUTV pundits Sammy McIlroy and Wes Brown are torn on Manchester United’s line-up for the crucial Premier League match against Chelsea.

The club legends will appear on our live broadcast from 19:10 BST and, in preparation, they have studied the state of play for their United Predictions. 

Both are confident Erik ten Hag’s Reds will earn a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, and with Alejandro Garnacho playing a crucial role, but they can't agree on the XI.

Take a look at their respective picks before playing United Predictions...

SAMMY MCILROY’S PREDICTIONS

The Northern Ireland hero expects Harry Maguire to replace the injured Victor Lindelof at centre-back, and Casemiro to start again following a substitute appearance at the weekend. Interestingly, he has four central midfield players in the side – could that be a diamond at Stamford Bridge?

Line-up: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes (C), McTominay; Garnacho, Hojlund. 

First scorer: Alejandro Garnacho

Correct score: Chelsea 1 United 2

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes

WES BROWN’S PREDICTIONS

The two-time Champions League winner expects his former team-mate Jonny Evans to start alongside Maguire in central defence.

His other big call is the inclusion of Mason Mount against his old club, following his first goal for the Reds at the weekend. 

Line-up: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Wan-Bissaka; Fernandes, Mainoo, Mount; Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.

First scorer: Alejandro Garnacho

Correct score: Chelsea 1 United 2

Man of the Match: Alejandro Garnacho

Must-see Q&A: Squad news v Chelsea Video

Must-see Q&A: Squad news v Chelsea

PRE-MATCH Q&A | Erik discusses injuries, positioning and Mason Mount, before Mauricio Pochettino delivers his update…

WHAT THE FANS ARE FEELING

First scorer predictions: 
53% = Rasmus Hojlund
17% = Marcus Rashford
12% = Alejandro Garnacho
7% = Bruno Fernandes
3% = Scott McTominay

Correct score predictions: 
41% = Chelsea 1 United 2
14% = Chelsea 1 United 3
12% = Chelsea 0 United 2
7% = Chelsea 1 United 1
5% = Chelsea 2 United 3

What do you think about a 20:15 BST kick-off?poll

What do you think about a 20:15 BST kick-off?

Man of the Match predictions: 
21% = Kobbie Mainoo
18% = Bruno Fernandes
16% = Rasmus Hojlund
13% = Alejandro Garnacho
11% = Andre Onana

MUTV's Match Day Live broadcast starts from 19:10 BST - tune in for more analysis from Sammy and Wes, plus live radio commentary of the game.

How will Amad be involved after serving his one-match ban?poll

How will Amad be involved after serving his one-match ban?

After netting his first United goal last weekend, would you start Mason Mount against his former club?poll

After netting his first United goal last weekend, would you start Mason Mount against his former club?

Essential pre-match viewing:

  • Part one: Press conference v Chelsea Video

    Part one: Press conference v Chelsea

    Press conference part one | Erik provides the latest team news and more, ahead of our midweek trip to Stamford Bridge...

  • Part two: Press conference v Chelsea Video

    Part two: Press conference v Chelsea

    Press conference part two | Watch as Ten Hag is asked about Chelsea, Champions League football and Mason Mount...

  • The Debate: Where would Chelsea be without Palmer? Video

    The Debate: Where would Chelsea be without Palmer?

    The Debate: Hot topic | Why it's hard to predict Thursday's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge...

  • Can United improve at Chelsea? Video

    Can United improve at Chelsea?

    FULL EPISODE | Wes Brown joins the panel to discuss Brentford, Chelsea, March's star man and Varane's comments...

  • The Debate: Rapha's quotes refreshing Video

    The Debate: Rapha's quotes refreshing

    The Debate: Hot topic | The panel applaud Raphael Varane for speaking up about issues with concussion...

  • A very special Iftar at Carrington Video

    A very special Iftar at Carrington

    Erik ten Hag, Amad and Nikita Parris were among those who enjoyed United’s Iftar meal last week…