Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge this lunchtime, with Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick both one defeat away from three straight losses in all competitions.
Alonso’s Chelsea have been knocked out of the top four following a league loss to Tottenham and a penalty-shootout exit to Liverpool in the EFL Cup. Carrick’s Manchester United arrive in considerably worse shape: 16th in the table, a point above the drop zone, and winless in eight matches across all competitions — their worst start to a season since 1986-87.
Chelsea vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
- Kick-off: 12:30 BST
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- Last meeting: Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United, 2025-26 Premier League
Team news
Chelsea
Maxence Lacroix has been ruled out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury picked up against Liverpool, joining Jorrel Hato, Reece James, Joao Pedro, Emiliano Martinez, Aaron Anselmino and Jamie Gittens on the sidelines. Cole Palmer returns from suspension after serving a one-match ban.
Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes is set to return to the starting lineup after being dropped for the Bournemouth defeat, with Carrick insisting the decision was purely football-related. Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte and Patrick Dorgu remain unavailable, while Kobbie Mainoo is back in training.
Form
Chelsea
Chelsea have conceded 15 goals in the Premier League this season, more than every side inside the top 10, and are averaging two goals conceded per game at home. They have won just three of their last 19 meetings with Manchester United in all competitions.
Manchester United
Manchester United have won just once in their last eight matches across all competitions and have not won away from home all season. They have lost their last two Premier League matches, including a 0-3 home defeat to Bournemouth.
Predicted lineups
Chelsea possible starting XI (4-3-3): Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Henderson, Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Rogers
Manchester United possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Santos, Baleba; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Mount; Cunha
How to watch Chelsea vs Manchester United?
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports.
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