New £20.75m Blues signing Nemanja Matic is on the bench.
In the most highly anticipated match of the Premier League weekend title contenders Chelsea host current champions Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
After both Arsenal and Manchester City won their respective games on Saturday the Blues need three points to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.
However, United are also desperate to win the game as they have endured a difficult first season with David Moyes as manager.
After the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Fulham the Red Devils now trail the league leaders by 14 points and triumph in west London would be great confidence boost.
The hosts signed midfielder Nemanja Matic in the week, but Jose Mourinho stressed that the £20.75m man would start this tie from the bench.
It means that David Luiz retains a spot in midfield and defender Branislav Ivanovic returns, meaning Cesar Azilicueta reverts to left-back and Ashley Cole is dropped.
Full line-up below:
Team v Man U: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Ramires, David Luiz; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Eto’o. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) January 19, 2014
For the away team both Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie are absent with injuries and therefore the in-form Danny Welbeck resumes the England international’s place as lone striker.
Welbeck has six goals in the 23-year-old’s last six league matches and is in much better touch that opposite number Samuel Eto’o.
Full line-up below:
#mufc starting XI vs Chelsea: De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Jones, Young; Januzaj, Welbeck.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 19, 2014
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