Name your starting eleven for Chelsea v Manchester United next Sunday.

We are just over a week away from the start of the Premier League season and have one more pre-season game to go tomorrow. Based on what we have seen so far and taking into consideration the long-term injuries to Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Toni Rudiger and those recovering from being absent such as N'Golo Kante and Willian.  I want you to name YOUR starting eleven to face Manchester United at Old Trafford with YOUR preferred formation. 

Looking at the games we have played it's clear that we have a squad that can adapt to one of three different formations: 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2 Diamond or the 4-3-3. You need to think about the players you want to select and how they fit into the formation you want to implement whilst ensuring that the team is balanced from defence, through midfield and into the attacking areas.

Goalkeepers. 

For me Kepa is nailed on to start and think of the player we have on our hands now one year on from his big money move to Stamford Bridge. He has shown real signs of development and outstanding ability with the game the other night a perfect example of just how good he is. Willy Caballero on the bench.

Back four / defence. 

Cesar Azpilicueta has the right-back position nailed down for me with doubts over the future of Davide Zappacosta.

Emerson should the nod being the better defender than Marcos Alonso at left-back while also giving us an option out wide left.

David Luiz will start the game in the middle of our back four despite calls for him to be dropped after a poor performance the other night. When he's is on his game and plays with focus whilst remaining disciplined in his position he is better than most in the country so he starts (we just cannot afford for him not to be).

Although Kurt Zouma has returned to the squad and has been promised a real opportunity to make a claim this year to be in the first-team at Chelsea, I would start the impressive Andreas Christensen who's awareness to cover for Luiz gives him the edge in my view.

Midfield.

Arguably, the most difficult positions to select based on the options we have available. The formation you want to adopt for this game will determine who starts in my view as it dictates whether you select two or three midfield options. I have to say it as I am sitting here writing this - I am torn between the 4-2-3-1 and the diamond 4-4-2.

You would have to start Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in the 4-2-3-1 formation as both have built up a good understanding playing together last season. Both know each others game now and ability with the ball.

Both would start with Ross Barkley playing on the other side of Kovacic in diamond 4-4-2 formation through midfield with Mason Mount playing at the top of the diamond. That's easily switched with Mount and Barkley swapping positions and Barkley playing in behind the two strikers.

Attacking Areas.

In the 4-2-3-1 formation, based on pre-season and overall influence in-game, you simply have to start Ross Barkley in the number ten role. Mason Mount would also do a great job there, as we have seen, but Barkley edges it for me.

Christian Pulisic has demonstrated his raw, natural talent with an abundance of pace to burn which for me puts him straight into the team wide left. Pedro to start wide right especially after THAT goal the other night.

Up front in the 4-2-3-1 formation I would start with Olivier Giroud in this game for his experience and calm head out there. He has still got it and can score goals in addition to being the team player that we know that he can be. He edges Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi in this formation to start with.

If this was the 4-4-2 diamond then the two strikers I would start with would be Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi with Tammy Abraham on the bench. Batshuayi in behind with Giroud dropping deep would give us different options to hopefully open the door.

Team Selections.

4-2-3-1:

Kepa

Azpilicueta,

Luiz,

Christensen,

Emerson

Jorginho

Kovacic

Pulisic

Barkley

Pedro

Giroud.

4-4-2 (Diamond):

Kepa,

Azpilicueta,

Luiz

Christensen

Emerson,

Jorginho,

Kovacic,

Barkley,

Mount

Giroud

Batshuayi.

What do you think of my team selections for both of the adaptable formations? Are they something you agree with? If not, tell me what your team selections would be and the formation if you had to by Frank Lampard and make those decisions right now.

Post your comments below, I want to read as many opinions as possible on this ahead of the game.

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