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FA Cup | Final
May 19, 2018 at 5.15pm UK
 
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How Manchester United could line up against Chelsea

Ahead of this weekend's FA Cup final clash between Chelsea and Manchester United, Sports Mole looks at how the Red Devils could line up at Wembley.

Two of the Premier League's biggest clubs come face to face on Saturday evening in an intriguing FA Cup final, as Chelsea and Manchester United lock horns at Wembley Stadium.

The Red Devils ended the Premier League season 11 points better off than their opponents and are chasing a record-equalling 13th success in the world's oldest cup competition.

Having gone all the way in 2016 under Louis van Gaal, United are now aiming to pick up their third major honour under Jose Mourinho to ensure that a mixed campaign ends on a high.

Here, Sports Mole looks at the starting lineup the Portuguese could field this weekend.


Predicted Manchester United XI vs. Chelsea
Doubtful: Anthony Martial, Romelu Lukaku, Marouane Fellaini

As noted by Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas earlier in the week, Mourinho loves springing a selection surprise against the Blues, most famously using Ander Herrera to man-mark Eden Hazard out of the game last season.

Mourinho could also mirror Antonio Conte's formation by going with three at the back, but that is a risky strategy and may play into Chelsea's hands.

A back four is therefore more likely, with Eric Bailly in contention to feature from the off despite starting just two games since the last international break in March - the most recent of those outings, quite tellingly, coming against Watford last weekend.

The Red Devils are still sweating over the fitness of Lukaku up top, as the Belgian only returned to training on Tuesday following more than two weeks on the sidelines.

Martial is another injury doubt, being left out of the squad entirely to face Watford, but both Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard are fit, as is Marcus Rashford, who netted the winner for his side in their last outing.

If Mourinho goes with three across midfield, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic may be joined by Herrera, Scott McTominay or perhaps even Michael Carrick in his final match before retiring.

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