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Opening weekend of the 2019/20 Premier League season is nearly upon us, the highlight of which will be a clash between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United are hoping to start off on the right foot in their first full season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but will have to go through a Chelsea side experiencing a similar rebuild under their own club legend Frank Lampard.
There has been a lot going on in United’s preseason, including tactical adjustments, formation changes, and the arrival of some new faces. It’s a massive fixture, and that means The Busby Babe wants your feedback on how Solskjaer should set up for the Blues on opening day.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire was a massive pickup for Manchester United this summer. His price tag is a lot to live with, and comes with a fair bit of scrutiny, but he’s one of the best CBs in the Premier League currently, and fills a massive need on the back line. Aaron Wan-Bissaka does as well, but unlike Maguire he’s had a full preseason to adjust to Solskjaer’s demands and fit in with the rest of the squad. Maguire has a week.
We all expect to see Wan-Bissaka amongst the starters, but should Maguire feature in this big fixture as well after just 1 week at Carrington?
Poll
Should Harry Maguire start against Chelsea
Poll
If not Maguire, who should start next to Victor Lindelöf?
This poll is closed
-
14%
Phil Jones
(47 votes) -
30%
Chris Smalling
(100 votes) -
6%
Marcos Rojo
(22 votes) -
47%
Axel Tuanzebe
(155 votes)
Midfield
Solskjaer has implemented a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the preseason, with two holding midfielders and a no. 10 attacking midfielder/playmaker.
We haven’t seen what he would call his first choice starting midfield yet, so who should play, and where?
Poll
Which partnership should play in holding midfield?
This poll is closed
-
16%
Pogba and Matić
(57 votes) -
74%
Pogba and McTominay
(259 votes) -
8%
McTominay and Matic
(30 votes) -
1%
Other (Comment)
(4 votes)
Poll
Who should play as the attacking midfielder?
This poll is closed
-
38%
Juan Mata
(133 votes) -
18%
Andreas Pereira
(66 votes) -
35%
Jesse Lingard
(124 votes) -
7%
Other (Comment)
(25 votes)
Wings
Solskjaer’s new formation and tactics call for two wide players and a centre forward, though the wide players often follow the play across the attacking line. The forward even has some freedom, but has largely stayed central.
Right wing has been an issue for some time, and even with the arrival of Daniel James, United don’t have anyone who naturally plays on the right all the time.
Who should start in each wide area?
Poll
Who should start wide left against Chelsea?
This poll is closed
-
50%
Anthony Martial
(170 votes) -
25%
Marcus Rashford
(84 votes) -
20%
Daniel James
(67 votes) -
3%
Angel Gomes
(13 votes) -
0%
Other (Comment)
(1 vote)
Poll
Who should start wide right against Chelsea?
This poll is closed
-
57%
Daniel James
(188 votes) -
34%
Mason Greenwood
(115 votes) -
2%
Tahith Chong
(8 votes) -
4%
Angel Gomes
(14 votes) -
1%
Other (Comment)
(4 votes)
Striker
The problem has been presented again: Rashford or Martial?
It was a question widely discussed two seasons ago in regards to the left wing, but now it’s up front. They’ve both had their share of fine moments up top in the preseason, but only one can play there at a time (unless Solskjaer brings out another diamond formation like he did against Milan). Whoever isn’t up top will likely be on the left wing, but it isn’t entirely clear who is better suited for which position.
So, who would you pick?
Poll
Who should start at striker against Chelsea?
This poll is closed
-
29%
Anthony Martial
(99 votes) -
67%
Marcus Rashford
(229 votes) -
2%
Other (Comment)
(9 votes)
Prediction
Finally, predict the result for Manchester United vs. Chelsea.
Poll
Predict the result for Manchester United vs. Chelsea
This poll is closed
-
15%
Big United win
(68 votes) -
47%
Close United win
(205 votes) -
9%
Draw
(41 votes) -
15%
Close Chelsea win
(69 votes) -
11%
Big Chelsea win
(52 votes)