Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of Chelsea vs Manchester United in the Premier League. After both teams suffered losses in game week 32, both will be looking to bounce back in a big way. The two titans of English football are in pursuit of a Champions League spot, and this one comes at an important time for both teams, with doubts over both managers’ long-term suitability.
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Chelsea vs Manchester United – Champions League Spot Up for Grabs
Date: Saturday, 18th April 2026
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Last meeting: Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea (20th September 2025, Premier League)
Current odds: Chelsea 6/5, Manchester United 2/1, Draw 5/2
Referee: Michael Oliver
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea will welcome back World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, who returns following a two-match ban imposed on him by manager Liam Rosenior.
The manager also discussed the potential returns of defenders Trevor Chalobah and Reece James. On Chalobah, Rosenior said, “Not quite fully; it was modified training. We’ll make a decision on him, but he’s very, very close. Reece is a little bit further away”.
Rosenior also confirmed that Levi Colwill will play “some” minutes for the under-21s; however, it’s unlikely he’ll feature against United on Saturday evening.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens remains out.
Manchester United Team News
A key turning point in Manchester United’s game with Leeds was when returning defender Lisandro Martinez received a straight red card after pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. This means that he will miss United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.
Harry Maguire will also be unavailable for Carrick after having his ban extended by a further game following his red card against Bournemouth due to comments made about the referee.
Leny Yoro did not travel to London with the rest of the team, with reports suggesting he could miss the rest of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo was a surprise omission from Manchester United’s squad against Leeds due to injury; however, he is striving to be fit for the trip to Chelsea. Speaking on Mainoo, Carrick said, “He’s done little bits, so there’s a decision to be made there”.
Patrick Dorgu will be unavailable for selection, with Carrick stating, “He’s going well, he’s rehabbing well, he’s kind of on track, but he’s not with us in terms of training yet. But he’s back on the pitch, as I’ve already said, so that’s positive, that he’s doing really well.”
Matthijs de Ligt remains out and hasn’t featured since November.
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Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Sanchez
Gusto
Fofana
Hato
Cucurella
Caicedo
Enzo Fernandez
Neto
Palmer
Estevao
Joao Pedro
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Lammens
Dalot
Casemiro
Heaven
Shaw
Mazraoui
Ugarte
Fernandes
Amad
Mbuemo
Cunha
Featured image courtesy of SmartFrame/News Images