Manchester United take on Chelsea tonight at Stamford Bridge with a full-blown defensive crisis on their hands.
Seven points separate the two sides ahead of kick-off and while a victory won’t be enough for Chelsea to claw their way back into the top five tonight, it will certainly crank up the heat on United who lost their way against Leeds last time out.
Lisandro Martinez’s red card that night means he will miss the next three games – a huge blow for Carrick with key games against Brentford and Liverpool to follow.
To make matters worse, Harry Maguire was handed an additional one-game ban this week for his reaction to the red card he received against Bournemouth last month.
Leny Yoro has deputlised in the place of the injured Martinez under Carrick but the Frenchman has not made the journey down to London with reports suggesting he has picked up an injury that may end his season.
It leaves Ayden Heaven as United’s only senior centre-half – with the 19-year-old expected to start his first game under Carrick tonight.
Elsewhere, Kobbie Mainoo missed the defeat at Leeds after picking up a knock in training with United badly missing his presence in midfield. Carrick was hopeful the England international would be available for selection when he spoke to the media on Friday.
Manchester United XI vs Chelsea – Metro prediction
With no other natural option available, Luke Shaw may be tasked with playing alongside Heaven at centre-half this evening.
Shaw has previously taken up the role as emergency centre-half under Erik ten Hag and regularly played as part of a back three under Ruben Amorim.
Shaw moving inside would require a bit or rejigging at full-back with Diogo Dalot expected to fill in on the left with Noussair Mazraoui on the right.
Casemiro at centre-half is another option – but with United’s midfield already very lightweight, removing their best player in that position could create more problems than solutions.
Enzo Fernandez to return tonight?
Chelsea will welcome Enzo Fernandez back after his two-match suspension this evening. The Argentina international sat out of games against Port Vale and Manchester City after ‘crossing the line’ with comments he made in a string of interviews that threw his future at the club into doubt.
The Blues have their own concerns in defence with Trevoh Chalobah still a doubt following his ankle injury. A late call on his inclusion is likely to be made tonight. Levi Colwill played 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors Under-21 match but is unavailable for first-team action today.
Reece James meanwhile remains sidelined with a hamstring injury with Jamie Gittens and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen also still sidelined.
Chelsea XI to face Manchester United – Metro prediction
Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato could continue at centre-half tonight. Andrey Santos is looking at home in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo so if Enzo Fernandez is to return to the starting XI, it could be in a more advanced role.
Alejandro Garnacho will be desperate to leave a mark on his old side tonight but he may have to settle for a role off the bench.
Chelsea vs Man Utd TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Chelsea vs Manchester United kicks off at 8pm tonight (Saturday 18 April).
You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.
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