How Chelsea could line up against Manchester United

Chelsea begin a new era under manager Frank Lampard with a huge game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The former Chelsea midfielder emerged triumphant from his last visit to the Theatre of Dreams in the League Cup last season with Derby County, winning on penalties after the match finished 2-2.

A win on Sunday would give Lampard another slice of history since it would be the first Chelsea win at Old Trafford since 2010.

Both sides will be desperate to send an early statement of intent to the Premier League by claiming a win over a member of the top six on the opening weekend.

Below, Sports Mole predicts what starting XI Lampard is likely to pick for the meeting at Old Trafford.

Out: Antonio Rudiger (knee), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles), Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles), Reece James (ankle) Doubtful: N'Golo Kante (knee), Willian (hamstring)

>Click here to read Chelsea's full injury and suspension list ahead of the game.

Perhaps the biggest issue for Chelsea to contend with for this clash is their backline, which will be without Rudiger and David Luiz, who joined Arsenal on deadline day, stripping the Blues of two defenders who started at Old Trafford in April.

Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma will be handed chances to impress their new manager and tasked with handling the interchanging front pair of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

It remains to be seen whether Lampard will risk Kante, who was sent home early from Chelsea's pre-season tour of Japan due to a knee problem - one which has troubled the Frenchman since before the Europa League final - but supporters would have been encouraged to see him feature in Chelsea's last friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Willian is another player who would normally feature in such a big game - the midfielder scored in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in February 2018 - but looks unlikely to be risked having mainly trained on his own over the summer, which means youngster Mason Mount will make his senior Chelsea debut.

Christian Pulisic, who joined the club for £59m before their transfer ban, will be another debutant for Chelsea having featured heavily in pre-season, with the more senior Pedro on the other side.

Following the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, there will be extra emphasis on Olivier Giroud, who scored the equaliser at Old Trafford in April, to come up with the goals against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

> Click here to see how Man Utd could line up for this fixture