Manchester United will be eager to end their recent miserable form when they visit Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Red Devils are on an eight-game winless run in all competitions, which has significantly cranked up the pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
United head into the game 16th in the standings, just one point above the relegation zone. They could feasibly drop into the bottom three this weekend.
**Trip to Chelsea offers United a chance to reset**
After guiding United to third place in the Premier League last season, Carrick would not have expected things to unravel so quickly this time around.
However, the club’s poor summer transfer window coupled with injuries to key players have resulted in United winning just once in the league this term (D4, L3).
More concerningly, the team’s performances have fallen well short of the standards expected at the club. The trip to Chelsea offers United a chance to reset.
The Red Devils did the double over Chelsea last season, which should boost their confidence ahead of the fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Carrick is still grappling with a sizeable injury list, although midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is expected to be available. The 21-year-old has recovered from a muscular injury.
Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko are all sidelined, which leaves the manager short of options in a couple of key areas on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes should return after holding clear-the-air talks with Carrick, and he will be eager to prove a point after being dropped against Bournemouth last weekend.
The United captain has not been at his best this season, but this weekend’s game gives him the opportunity to produce a statement performance.
**Chelsea are vulnerable after dreadful week**
Chelsea are fifth in the standings after winning four of their eight games this season (D1, L3). Their record perfectly highlights their inconsistency.
The Blues were beaten 2-0 at Stamford Bridge by Tottenham Hotspur last weekend and followed up by being dumped out of the League Cup by Liverpool in midweek.
Manager Xabi Alonso bizarrely claimed the cup competition was not a priority after the game, despite it being one of just three trophies available to Chelsea this season.
Cole Palmer’s brainless red card against Tottenham meant he missed the trip to Anfield, but he should be back in the starting XI this weekend.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is sidelined due to a broken jaw, so Mike Penders will continue to deputise. Pep Chavarria, Reece James and Joao Pedro all miss the game.
Pedro’s absence is a major blow for Chelsea, as Palmer and Morgan Rogers have not looked as effective without him leading the line.
The Blues have conceded 15 league goals this season, so United’s forwards must test their shaky defence at every opportunity.
**Chelsea vs Man United predicted line-ups**
**Chelsea:** Mike Penders, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Jorrell Hato, Jordan Henderson, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Danny Welbeck.
**Man United:** Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha.
**Chelsea vs Man United prediction**
After picking up just seven points from eight games this season, United cannot afford to produce another insipid performance.
Chelsea have shown plenty of vulnerability this season, with their leaky backline repeatedly offering opponents chances during games.
If the Red Devils can shore things up defensively at Stamford Bridge, they have players who can cause the home side problems.
**_Predicted scoreline: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester United._**