Antonio Conte Set to Drop Out-of-Form David Luiz Ahead of Chelsea's Fierce Encounter With United

According to The Sun, Chelsea defender David Luiz is set to be omitted from the starting line-up ahead of Chelsea’s must-win Premier League encounter against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Antonio Conte trained with a back three, which included youngster Andreas Christensen on the evening prior to Sunday's fierce match-up, which has sparked speculation that Luiz is set to be dropped following his lacklustre performance in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Roma in midweek.

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Although Chelsea have denied the rumours, there is said to be tension brewing between Conte and 30-year-old Luiz- who happens to be one of Roman Abramovich’s most prized assets - but it is yet to be confirmed whether Conte will actually drop the Brazilian.

The Italian is now looking to shake up his side following their humiliation in Rome last Tuesday, where Chelsea skipper and England international Gary Cahill may also be set for the chop.

Conte was furious with his defensive line against Roma, which saw former Manchester City hitman Edin Dzeko pull and drag them out with ease.

Chelsea full back Cesar Azpilicueta also believes that a change is in order for Conte’s side.

Reported by The Sun, the Spaniard said: “We changed formation last season — but now they have cameras everywhere they can analyse so easily. Sometimes opponents do it well and we have to be ready to try other options.”

However, Conte may need to be mindful of dropping Abramovich’s favoured players, who is no stranger of sacking a manager for going against his wishes.

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After taking Chelsea to Champions League glory back in 2012, Roberto Di Matteo found himself out of a job just seven months later, after he also saw his side lose 3-0 in Italy.

In that game against Juventus, another one of Abramovich’s favoured stars- £50m then record-signing Fernando Torres - was barely utilised, coming off the bench in the dying embers of the game.

Chelsea go into this match sitting in fourth place, four point behind United in second. United find themselves five points behind league-leaders City with 23 points, but will look to shorten that gap to two with a win at Stamford Bridge.