OPINION
Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge in a huge clash on Saturday as the Premier League returns after the international break, and Maurizio Sarri must make just one change to his starting XI.
The Blues are level at the top of the table with both Manchester City and Liverpool on 20 points from eight games this season, and are coming in on the back of a comfortable 3-0 win over Southampton last time out.
Opponents Manchester United are not in such good form this term with Jose Mourinho’s side accruing just 13 points so far to lie in eighth, and they will be looking to carry momentum in from their 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle before the break.
In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga must retain his place as normal.
In defence, a back four of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger, and Marcos Alonso must remain the same, with the Blues possessing the second-best record in the league this season.
One change must come in midfield, with £90,000-a-week ace Ross Barkley [Total Sportek] axed in place of 5ft 10in pass master Mateo Kovacic [Transfermarkt] amid injury concerns over the England international, while N’Golo Kante and Joginho keep their places.
An attacking trio made up of Willian, Eden Hazard and Olivier Giroud must be kept unchanged.
This is a Chelsea side which has more than enough to heap misery on United at the Bridge on Saturday, with the addition of Kovacic in midfield providing stability while also giving them more passing range in midfield.
