According to a report by Evening Standard on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Chelsea have received a significant boost ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League encounter against Manchester United, with influential attacking midfielder Cole Palmer available for selection after completing his one-match suspension.

The Blues are preparing to welcome Michael Carrick's Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 31, as manager Xabi Alonso looks to guide his team back to winning ways following their recent disappointing performances.

Palmer's availability represents encouraging news for Chelsea, particularly with several important first-team players currently struggling with injuries.

The England international received a red card during Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League defeat against Tottenham Hotspur after collecting two yellow cards. However, he served his suspension during Wednesday's Carabao Cup encounter against Liverpool, making him eligible to feature against Manchester United.

His return could significantly strengthen Chelsea's attacking options, although Alonso still faces several difficult selection decisions.

Here is how Chelsea could line up against Manchester United using a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Goalkeeper: Mike Penders

Mike Penders is expected to retain his position between the posts, with Emiliano Martinez still recovering from a fractured jaw.

Despite facing criticism following recent performances, the young goalkeeper could receive another opportunity to establish himself as Chelsea's first-choice option during Martinez's absence.

Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill

Alonso could deploy three central defenders to provide additional defensive stability against Manchester United's attacking players.

Josh Acheampong could feature on the right side of the defensive trio, while Wesley Fofana may operate centrally.

Levi Colwill could complete the defensive unit, particularly with Maxence Lacroix facing uncertainty after suffering a suspected hamstring problem during Chelsea's Carabao Cup encounter against Liverpool.

Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson and Jorrel Hato

Chelsea could rely on a four-man midfield to maintain possession and control proceedings against Manchester United.

Moises Caicedo is expected to play an important role in central midfield, using his defensive awareness and ball-winning abilities to disrupt United's attacking movements.

Jordan Henderson could partner him in the middle, providing experience, leadership and additional protection for the defenders.

Pedro Neto could operate as the right wing-back, using his pace to support Chelsea's attacking movements, while Jorrel Hato may occupy the opposite flank.

Attacking Midfielders: Cole Palmer and Geovany Quenda

Cole Palmer could make an immediate return to Chelsea's starting lineup following his suspension.

The England international remains one of the club's most influential attacking players, capable of creating goalscoring opportunities through his passing, movement and technical ability.

His presence could provide Chelsea with additional creativity against Manchester United's defence.

Geovany Quenda could partner Palmer in the advanced midfield positions, offering pace, dribbling ability and another attacking threat.

Striker: Morgan Rogers

Morgan Rogers could lead Chelsea's attack against Manchester United, with João Pedro expected to remain unavailable because of a thigh injury.

Alonso has confirmed that Pedro will be sidelined for several weeks, creating an opportunity for other attacking players to impress.

Rogers could be deployed as a central forward, although Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha remain alternative options for the Chelsea manager.

Chelsea's Possible Starting XI (3-4-2-1):

Goalkeeper: Mike Penders.

Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill.

Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson and Jorrel Hato.

Attacking Midfielders: Cole Palmer and Geovany Quenda.

Striker: Morgan Rogers.

Chelsea will be determined to secure maximum points against Manchester United as they attempt to strengthen their position in the Premier League standings.

However, the availability of Cole Palmer could prove particularly important, with the attacking midfielder expected to provide the creativity and attacking quality Chelsea have missed during his absence.

Alonso's final selection will depend on his players' fitness and recovery following Wednesday's Carabao Cup encounter against Liverpool.