Chelsea predicted line-up vs. Man Utd: two major changes made as £93m duo drop out of starting XI

If Chelsea are to qualify for European football this season, they can ill afford to drop points in the manner that they did against Burnley on Saturday afternoon. The Blues drew 2-2 against the relegation-threatened Clarets, leading twice and being pegged back both times despite having an extra man following Lorenz Assignon's first half dismissal.

That result leaves the Blues 11th in the table, three points off eighth, but with at least one game in hand on every side above them. On Thursday, Mauricio Pochettino's side will face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, and will be hoping that a timely return to winning ways can help to propel them towards a place on the continent next term.

As for United, they also drew at the weekend, sharing the spoils with Brentford after a breathless period of added time at the end of their trip to West London during which both sides scored. The Red Devils are currently sixth in the table.

But how will both teams line up on Thursday night? We've taken a closer look at their respective injury news, as well as predicted XIs, below...

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea still continue to be plagued by injuries as we enter the final stretch of the campaign, with the Blues missing as many as 11 players heading into Thursday's clash. The likes of Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are not expected to play again this season, while Trevor Chalobah and Robert Sanchez are both 'undergoing rehabilitation' with no concrete return date outlined just yet. Similarly, it is not abundantly clear as to when Lesley Ugochukwu or Malo Gusto will be back in contention to feature. Both players are currently sidelined with hamstring strains.

Elsewhere, Reece James is expected to be out until May due to a thigh problem, while fellow defender Levi Colwill might still be a little way off full fitness. Summer signing Christopher Nkunku is in a similar boat, and could be back in contention to face Everton on April 15th, but promising midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka may be out until the end of the month.

There is more optimistic news regarding Ben Chilwell, however. Speaking about the the England international last week, Mauricio Pochettino said: 'He got a knock in his knee. Today he was all right to train and now we will see what happens tomorrow, if he can be available to be in the squad or not. We need to assess him.' The hope will be that following assessment, he is ready to play on Thursday night.

Chelsea Predicted XI

Đorđe Petrović; Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Mykhailo Mudryk; Nicolas Jackson.

Manchester United Team News

For their part, United are also beset by absences. Defenders Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Raphael Varane are all expected to miss out, while Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are both doubtful.

Deputy goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could be touch and go, and may have to wait until the weekend to return to Erik ten Hag's match day squad. Striker Anthony Martial is unlikely to be back until later this month.

United will be able to reintroduce Amad Diallo to their plans, however. The Ivorian returns from suspension having served a ban following a red card during the celebrations of his extra time FA Cup winner against Liverpool recently.

Manchester United Predicted XI

Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund.