Chelsea predicted line-up vs Man United: key changes made big Palmer and Caicedo decisions

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from two poor results this weekend, after following up a brutal 2-0 home loss to arch rivals Tottenham with a midweek penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. The Blues secured a 1-1 draw in normal time, before suffering defeat on spot-kicks after Wesley Fofana blazed his effort over the bar during sudden death.

Next up, a weather-beaten Manchester United side come to Stamford Bridge for an intriguing Saturday lunchtime match up in the Premier League. Michael Carrick’s men have been in dire form of late, and will present Xabi Alonso’s side with an ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways.

Heading into the game, Chelsea have a number of injury concerns which have depleted their ranks. Star defender Maxence Lacroix is out with a hamstring injury, alongside other absentees including club captain Reece James, number one Emi Martinez and star striker Joao Pedro.

As the Blues go through their final preparations to take on a Red Devils side they’ve beaten at Stamford Bridge twice in their last three meetings, this is the most likely starting XI Alonso will deploy.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Man Utd: Goalkeeper and defence

Mike Penders saved a penalty from Ryan Gravenberch to put the Blues one spot-kick away from victory against the Reds, but it wasn’t to be after Fofana’s aforementioned subsequent blunder proved decisive. Penders will remain in goal to face Man United, as he continues to step in for Emi Martinez, who broke his jaw in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton earlier in the month.

Alonso has tweaked his formation here and there this season, and played a back four against the Reds in midweek. He could well return to his favoured back three against United, with Josh Acheampong likely to continue on the right side of a central trio. He was linked with a move to Crystal Palace over the summer, but ultimately remained at the club.

With Lacroix now injured, Fofana is set for an extended run in the side. His below par performances have exasperated some sections of the Blues faithful this season, and the ex-Leicester City star will be eager to get his form back up to scratch. Levi Colwill, who missed most of last season through injury, will complete the back three.

Will Palmer be back to play Man United?

Moises Caicedo is believed to be a doubt ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Manchester United, after playing through discomfort against Liverpool. Given the importance of the match, Alonso may be tempted to still start the Ecuador international, and pair him with veteran Jordan Henderson, who has made an impressive start to his Blues career.

The midfield duo will be flanked by a pair of wing-backs who will be tasked with providing attacking width. Pedro Neto, who has thrived in his new role so far this season, is expected to start on the right. On the left, Alonso could hand a first start to summer signing Marco Palestra amid fitness concerns around Jorrel Hato.

Cole Palmer was suspended for one game after being sent off in Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Spurs. Having served his ban against Liverpool, the England international will be available for selection and is set to start against Man United. He’ll be paired with £117m summer signing Morgan Rogers in an attacking midfield duo, with Danny Welbeck set to lead the line again in Pedro’s absence.

Chelsea predicted line-up vs Man United: Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Palestra; Rogers, Palmer, Welbeck.

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