Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso confirmed that the Blues picked up several injuries against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

As well as Maxence Lacroix’s hamstring injury, Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto also suffered knocks, with the number of players on the treatment table having risen to 9.

Some may well return to play this weekend, but with there being such a short turnaround before facing Manchester United, it would be a surprise if more than one or two are available for the Saturday lunchtime kickoff.

Press the next page as we share our Chelsea predicted lineup to take on the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge…

Goalkeeper and Defence

GK – Mike Penders – after a strong display against Liverpool midweek, the 21-year-old will be looking to build on that versus United.

RB – Josh Acheampong – the defender has been justifying the faith that Alonso has shown in him with his recent performances.

CB – Wesley Fofana – with Lacroix ruled out through injury, the 25-year-old is set to keep his place despite having a difficult game at Anfield.

CB – Levi Colwill – the centre-back appears to have gotten over his early-season dip in form.

LB – Marco Palestra – With Gusto being a fitness doubt, along with Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria, the Italian could get his first start.

Midfield

CM – Romeo Lavia – with Caicedo on the injury list, the Belgian could be handed his first league start since the 2-2 draw against Hull City last month.

CM – Jordan Henderson – Alonso is seemingly not afraid to start the veteran every few days. He could play his sixth match in a row this weekend.

AM – Cole Palmer – Having served his one-match ban for two bookable offences, the 24-year-old will be thrust back into the lineup against United

Chelsea badly missed Palmer’s creativity during the Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool.

Forwards

RW – Pedro Neto – with Estevao out in the cold, the Portuguese international is set to retain his place on the right flank.

ST – Danny Welbeck – Emmanuel Emegha is not fit enough to start, and with Joao Pedro still on the sidelines, the 35-year-old will keep his place despite not having the best of games against Liverpool midweek.

LW – Morgan Rogers – the forward may have got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot at Anfield on Wednesday, but his all-round game left a lot to be desired.

Rogers’ link-up play with Palmer has been excellent, though, and the latter’s return should benefit him.