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Football London
Football London
Sport
Alan Smith

Chelsea team vs Manchester United confirmed: Willy Caballero, Michy Batshuayi and Pedro start

Willy Caballero has retained his place between the Chelsea posts for tonight's crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United, while Michy Batshuayi starts up front after Tammy Abraham failed a late fitness test on his ankle injury.

Pedro starts out wide with Willian coming in on the right, in place of Callum Hudson-Odoi. Mason Mount only starts on the substitutes' bench as Frank Lampard opts for the 'Maurizio Sarri midfield' of N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho.

Olivier Giroud is also named on the bench after he failed to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.

Lampard said that he decided who would start between the posts last week but refused an opportunity to reveal his call in Friday's pre-match press conference.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Spain goalkeeper, was dropped for the 2-2 draw away to Leicester City before the winter break but had responded well in training. However despite Caballero being unconvincing at the King Power Stadium, the veteran retains his place here.

Bruno Fernandes starts for United, who could give a debut to Odion Ighalo off the substitutes bench after his deadline day signing.

Former Chelsea players Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata also make their latest returns to West London.

You can follow all the action in our live blog with Oliver Harbord and Alan Smith at Stamford Bridge right here.

Chelsea: Willy Caballero; Reece James, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta; N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic; Willian, Michy Batshuayi, Pedro. Subs: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma, Marcos Alonso, Olivier Giroud.

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