Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man Utd - Premier League

Chelsea 'B' found out that Newcastle are no Barrow or Panathinaikos on Wednesday night, with Enzo Maresca set to revert to his preferred starting XI for Sunday's Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

The Blues' reserve side didn't cover themselves in glory on Tyneside as they exited the Carabao Cup, making the manager's team selection for their upcoming bout much easier.

Chelsea were successful against the Magpies on their previous league outing and would have fancied their chances of securing a convincing win here had Erik ten Hag remained in charge of their upcoming opponents. However, Manchester United will instead be led out by Ruud van Nistelrooy on Sunday and the Theatre of Dreams will undoubtedly respond to their former marksman, as will this group of players.

A tough away trip beckons for the Blues, who were beaten here last season. Here's how Chelsea could line up for Sunday's clash with Man Utd.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1)

GK: Robert Sanchez - Sanchez certainly doesn't fill the Chelsea faithful with much confidence, with the Spaniard seemingly never too far away from an egregious error. However, he remains Maresca's number one between the sticks.

RB: Malo Gusto - The Frenchman has been impressive since joining the club last year and Reece James' return will not shift him from a starting berth at right-back.

CB: Wesley Fofana - Having spent a year on the sidelines with a devastating knee injury, supporters always fear the worst when Fofana falls to the turf in pain - as was the case against Newcastle last weekend. However, he battled through the contest and earned a breather in midweek. It seems as if he'll be fine for Sunday's game.

CB: Levi Colwill - A couple of mishaps have plagued Colwill's performances in recent weeks, but his talent is undeniable and he's a key figure in this Chelsea defence.

LB: Reece James - The skipper was excellent at left-back last Sunday and there's no doubt James will perform this role again on Sunday and see plenty of compatriot Marcus Rashford.

CM: Moises Caicedo - You wouldn't go as far as saying that Caicedo is currently performing like a £115m midfielder, but the Ecuador international is undoubtedly improving in year two after a tough start to his Chelsea career.

CM: Romeo Lavia - What is Enzo Fernandez? The Argentine has fallen by the wayside since Lavia's return, with the young midfielder quickly establishing himself as a Maresca favourite.

RW: Noni Madueke - The England international was Maresca's only substitute in midweek which means he should have a little bit of rhythm entering Sunday's game.

AM: Cole Palmer - Palmer was the hero the last time these two sides met and the marauding playmaker will drift out to the left flank like he did last weekend. Palmer combined well with Pedro Neto and continues to boast a telepathic relationship with Nicolas Jackson.

LW: Pedro Neto - Jadon Sancho's ineligible to face his parent club and perhaps the manager prepared for the situation by starting Neto down the left against Newcastle last weekend. Neto will stretch the pitch and target the byline when he receives possession, while also making darting runs in behind United's right-back.

ST: Nicolas Jackson - Chelsea's second-year striker continued his rich vein of form in the first Newcastle clash as he netted their opener in a 2-1 win. Jackson has already bagged at Anfield this season and will looking to tick off another iconic English ground on his scoring list this weekend.

READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP