Chelsea fans here in the Tavern head back to work in disappointment, after a tricky night out in Rome for the Blues. 

Chelsea have been at the forefront of sharing some disappointment of late, as they struggle to find form on a consistent basis. Sitting 4th in the Premier League table, many are considering them out of the title race as they lay 9 points adrift.

However, after providing an impressive performance away at the Vitality against a struggling Bournemouth side, they were looking to take this momentum into Europe. But a problem they’ll need to resolve in quick time is the ability to find the back of the net, as they create many opportunities but just can’t compose to put them away.

On Tuesday night the Blues made the trip down to Rome to take on the Italian giants AS Roma, in a hugely anticipated game after the high scoring draw at Stamford Bridge. Roma had struggled to score at the Stadio Olimpico so far this season, but this wasn’t the case against a sluggish Chelsea side. The Italian outfit ripped apart the London based club as they secured a 3-0 win in the capital, in what was a very poor performance by Chelsea’s standards.

Just as they thought it couldn’t get any worse after a crushing defeat, they’ll entertain an in-form United side as they look to head back to winning ways. However, this isn’t going to be easy against a dominant United side, who are heading into the game off the back of a 3 game winning streak.

So in order for Chelsea to come out on top, they will need to field this XI…

GK: Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian superstar has always arguably been in the top 2 Premier League goalkeeper, along with his opposer this weekend, David De Gea. Providing a dazzling array of skills, his diving, reflexes and position are all second to none.

No one can stop this man as he makes yet another appearance for the club.

CB: Antonio Rudiger

The German defender has been a revelation since joining from AS Roma and has recently found himself on the goalscorers sheet too. Offering a fantastic ability to shrug of attackers and provide a stable block in defence, it’s tough for anyone to get past him.

The central defender is the key to the Chelsea defence.

 CB: Gary Cahill

The England international has always been a reliable option for the Blues, as a regular part of Conte’s back three. The central defender provides a stable base at the back, with his aerial ability and experience proving to be his most valuable assets.

As captain and a leader, he will be vital for the Blues.

CB: Cesar Azpilicueta

The Spanish defender poses as a versatile asset with him being able to convert from a wing back to a centre back. Offering that added vision to snuff out attacks and read the game well, it makes him such a key interceptor of the ball in defence.

As arguably the best defensive player in the squad, he gets our call.

RWB: Davide Zappacosta

The newly signed Italian wing-back has settled down well to life at the bridge, as he becomes a dangerous addition to the team. Chasing down wingers, attacking defenders and tackling strikers are all things this man excels at.

The new man has come in at right back to allow Azpilicueta to offer more stability in the centre of defence.

LWB: Marcos Alonso

The Spanish wing-back has been an absolute delight in the blue shirt of Chelsea, creating numerous dangerous opportunities and is defensively sound. Offering an incredible attacking outlet and a solidity in defence that Chelsea have struggled to find, he was the only player in Rome to look decent.

There is no doubt, the left back spot is his.

CM: Cesc Fabregas

The Spanish mastermind is the brains behind pulling the strings in the Chelsea midfield, as he utilizes his vision and passing ability to find strikers in space.

The midfield maestro is always a regular at Chelsea, as his expertise is much needed in a big game against a very tough side.

CM: Danny Drinkwater

The former Leicester man has spent most of his time out with injury. Still, in the couple of games he’s featured in, he has provided some solid performances.

Offering the dogged like approach as he hunts down the opposition midfield, with the high press and aggression.

Therefore, he gets a starting place to allow for a sense of calmness in the team.

RW: Pedro

The Chelsea forward has been an incredible part of any Chelsea success this season, as he seems to have gotten better with age. Offering the tricky skills, pace and low center of gravity, he really does pose a threat going forward.

Preferred over Willian due to the magnitude of the game and down to form.

ST: Alvaro Morata

The Spanish striker has been influential since joining from Real Madrid, always being a part of either the creation or scoring of goals, he is vital. Offering speed, dribbling ability, great spacial awareness and a goal scoring instinct.

There is no doubt, this man needs to be on top form if they are to win against United.

LW: Eden Hazard

The Belgian magician has been the best player for Chelsea so far this season, as he seems to be back to his old ways with his fantastic attacking intent causing defences all kinds of problems. Operating with his pace and unbelievable dribbling ability, turning defenders inside out.

This man is arguably the first name on the team sheet.

So Chelsea fans, is this the XI to bring you a home win?