Manchester United sit mere hours away from a match against Champions League-vying Chelsea in what could be one step closer to the Champions League for Enzo Maresca, or one step away from the bottom three for Ruben Amorim.
The biggest question heading into tomorrow revolves around, what starting 11 Amorim will field?
For United, all eyes will mainly be fixed on Wednesday's Europa League final, against fellow bottom-dweller Tottenham Hotspur.
The simple thing to do for Amorim is to start an 11 that is filled with youngsters and older players who will be in a reserved role on Wednesday.
Yet it is key to realize that match sharpness ahead of Tottenham could provide the needed boost to keep key players fit.
Despite Bruno Fernandes' superb season, over his last couple of games, there has been a noticeable drop-off in his skills on show. An under-the-lights match against a strong Chelsea could give the Portuguese superstar a route back into strong form.
This theory does not stop with Fernandes. Casemiro has shown a stout ability to manage most midfields in the Europa League, and for an at-times passive midfield that Chelsea can possess, Casemiro could be seen as a viable option.
It has long been known that Rasmus Højlund is a streaky player. It is easy to forget that at one point in early 2024, the Danish striker netted goals in six straight Premier League games. As of late, while Højlund has tallied two goals in his last five matches in all competitions, if he can find the net against the Blues on Friday, it could provide a much-needed confidence boost for the emotive no.9
How much do you risk it?
While it is fair to expect a number of potential starters for Wednesday to play against Chelsea. There is certainly a place where you can overdo it. Players like Harry Maguire and possibly Manuel Ugarte could start on the bench Friday, the same could be said for Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and a few others.
What is in it for both sides?
For United, Friday could present a massive momentum boost. After their disappointing loss to West Ham last Sunday.
"We are losing the feeling that we are a massive club and it's the end of the world to lose a game at home," said the former Sporting CP manager.
That is a damning statement from Amorim, to look at Friday as a wipe-away game that doesn't matter will only force Amorim's narrative further.
Meanwhile, for the Blues, it is obvious that a spot for Europe's premier competition is on the line. If Chelsea takes six points off their final two games, they will clinch at least fifth place.
However, Friday will also prove a further relief of pressure on Enzo Maresca. Despite the Italian's strong first season, which has seen Chelsea push for the Champions League, there is a consistent feeling of distance between supporters and Maresca. In an article published by The Athletic earlier this year, a Chelsea season ticket holder revealed feelings towards Maresca.
“Some of the football we’ve been watching over the last couple of months is as bad as [Maurizio] Sarri in terms of how slow it is, how turgid it is, and I just think that it’s not very enjoyable."
If Maresca can provide three points, and a massive step towards Champions League football next season, possibly fans will look at the former Manchester City assistant as someone who could steady the up-and-down London club.
How to watch?
Manchester United and Chelsea will take place exclusively on Peacock in the U.S., Friday at 3:15 p.m. EST.
The match will be available on Sky Sports in the UK, Optus Sport in Australia, and JioHotstar in India.