According to a report by the London Evening Standard, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is set to refresh his starting XI as the Blues host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Chelsea will be looking for a quick response after back-to-back losses, including a penalty shootout exit to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup following a 1-1 draw at Anfield. A major boost for Alonso is the expected return of key attacking midfielder Cole Palmer, who missed the midweek trip to Liverpool due to a suspension picked up against Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Chelsea face a growing list of injury concerns. Defender Maxence Lacroix was forced off before halftime against Liverpool with a suspected hamstring injury and awaits further medical evaluations. Both Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo also suffered physical strains in that match and will undergo late fitness tests ahead of kickoff.

These potential setbacks add to an already heavy injury list. Reece James remains out until the new year following knee surgery, Joao Pedro is sidelined for several weeks with a thigh issue, and Jamie Gittens is recovering from an ankle injury sustained on international duty. On a positive note, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could return earlier than anticipated from a broken jaw, while Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria are available for selection after missing the Liverpool match.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Manchester United

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana, Neto; Caicedo, Henderson; Hato, Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.