Chelsea and Manchester United are set to begin Premier League matchday nine in Saturday’s early kick-off blockbuster at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are desperate to return to winning ways after a frustrating week, where they suffered a humiliating home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur before being eliminated from the EFL Cup by Liverpool.
Chelsea have struggled for consistency under Xabi Alonso this season, and another poor display or result could put even more pressure on the Spanish manager.
The Blues have blown hot and cold despite returning from the international break with back-to-back victories over Bournemouth and Everton.
Chelsea have conceded 15 goals in the Premier League, the most of any team in the top 10.
Their home record could offer some reprieve as they’ve lost just one of their four games at the Bridge (W2, D1), but they’re also conceding an average of two goals per game.
The Blues will also be keen to avoid a third consecutive defeat to United, although they’ve lost just one of their last six league meetings with the Red Devils at the Bridge (W2, D3).
How Chelsea could line up
Alonso will likely make several changes to the side that lost to Liverpool in the EFL Cup, but Mike Penders should reprise his role after an impressive midweek shift.
Chelsea are struggling with injuries, so a tactical switch to a back three could be on the cards.
Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, and Levi Colwill could line up in a back three, with Malo Gusto dropped after an atrocious performance against Liverpool.
The Frenchman has been linked with a £75 million move away from Chelsea and could be on his way out if his performances don’t improve.
Jordan Henderson may be rested with Romeo Lavia trusted to partner Moises Caicedo in midfield, while Marco Palestra makes his full debut at wingback on the opposite side of Pedro Neto.
Estevao could be a shock addition to the line-up alongside Cole Palmer, who returns after missing the EFL Cup due to suspension, while Morgan Rogers leads the line in Joao Pedro’s absence.
(3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill; Palestra, Lavia, Caicedo, Neto; Palmer, Estevao; Rogers.