Team News
Manchester United remain without Lisandro Martinez, who is still recovering from a knee injury sustained in February, while Diogo Dalot is also sidelined with muscle issues. Ruben Amorim confirmed that Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are back in contention, though doubts persist over whether either player is ready to start. The main selection dilemma lies in goal, with Amorim weighing up whether to hand deadline-day arrival Senne Lammens a league debut or persist with Altay Bayindir.
In attack, Bryan Mbeumo, who has previously been prolific against Chelsea with six goal involvements in seven appearances for Brentford, is expected to form a front three with Amad Diallo and Benjamin Sesko. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are vying for the midfield slot next to captain Bruno Fernandes.
Chelsea also have their injury concerns. Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are nearing returns but are not expected to feature, while Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo remain unavailable. Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended. Reece James could slot back into his natural right-back position, which may force Enzo Fernandez into a deeper role alongside Moises Caicedo, leaving Cole Palmer to continue as the playmaker. Pedro Neto is likely to start on the right, while either Jamie Gittens or Alejandro Garnacho will feature on the left. Maresca indicated that Garnacho is “ready to start”, and the former United winger could be given his full debut against his old club. Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line, having already been directly involved in five league goals this season.
Form Guide
Since Amorim’s arrival ten months ago, United’s record has been bleak. Out of the 17 clubs to play consistently in the Premier League during that period, they have collected the fewest points, managing only 31 from 31 games. Their current tally of four points from four matches marks the worst start to a league campaign since 1992–93. Amorim also holds the lowest win percentage of any United manager since the Second World War, a statistic fuelling mounting criticism of his tactical approach. Reports suggest some players are losing belief in him, though he maintains that he will not alter his philosophy.
United’s most recent home outing, a 3–2 victory over Burnley, offered some relief. Should they secure another win this weekend, it would mark the first time since December 2023 that they have recorded back-to-back league victories at Old Trafford under the same coach.
Chelsea, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in the league this season, having taken eight points from four matches. Their attacking output is among the best, with nine goals scored, a tally bettered only by Arsenal and Manchester City. However, momentum was checked last weekend when they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser against Brentford, and midweek brought further disappointment as Bayern Munich inflicted a 3–1 defeat in the Champions League. Enzo Maresca said that his side must learn from their mistakes and build resilience after being undone by lapses in concentration.
Predicted Outcome
We predict Chelsea will get a 2-1 win over Manchester United. History suggests this fixture is rarely straightforward, with 27 draws making it the most evenly contested match-up in Premier League history. Yet United’s fragile state gives the Blues a strong opportunity to take advantage.
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