Chelsea’s poor run of form continued last weekend as they were picked apart 3-0 by title challengers Manchester City.
The Blues have now won just one of their previous seven Premier League outings, losing four of their past five, leaving them four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool and just one ahead of West London rivals Brentford in seventh.
However, the West London side now face a United team who have a number of defensive injuries which may open the door for a rare win for Liam Rosenior’s side who are chasing Champions League football.
United boss Carrick is heading into the game almost with a defensive crisis as he relies on Leny Yoro and teenager Ayden Heaven at the back for the clash due to injuries to four key defenders.
Matthijs de Ligt (Lower Back Injury), Lisandro Martinez (Suspended), Patrick Dorgu Larsson (Thigh Injury), Harry Maguire (Suspended)
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo (Calf/Shin/Heel Injury) is also a doubt for the clash and is unlikely to feature due to a knock that forced him to miss the defeat to Leeds United on Monday night.
Carrick admitted that the club must accept Maguire and Martinez being suspended for the clash. Maguire swore at an official against Bournemouth last month whilst Martinez pulled their hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Leeds. He must now deal with a poor backline on paper against a Chelsea side who will smell blood.