Chelsea are set to host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in Saturday afternoon’s early kick-off. It is a crucial game for both sides, with managers Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick under pressure following difficult weeks.

The Blues need to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Tottenham last weekend and their EFL Cup exit on Wednesday night. Here is the starting XI Alonso could name as Chelsea look to claim all three points against Carrick’s struggling Man Utd side.

How Chelsea could line up against Manchester United

Mike Penders will continue in goal until Emiliano Martinez is cleared to return from his jaw injury. Penders made a costly mistake against Spurs last weekend but played well against Liverpool in midweek.

Maxence Lacroix is expected to be out with a hamstring injury, meaning Chelsea are short of central defenders. Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong are almost guaranteed to start against Man Utd. Jorrel Hato, who missed the Liverpool game, could return in place of Wesley Fofana following the latter’s disappointing performance.

Pedro Neto has been one of the first names on the team sheet during Alonso’s tenure. He should continue at right wing-back, with Marco Palestra on the left after a decent cameo against Liverpool.

Romeo Lavia completed his first 90 minutes in over three years on Wednesday, so he may be rested from the start. This would likely mean Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson partner each other in central midfield again.

Cole Palmer will return to the lineup after his one-game suspension and join Morgan Rogers in attacking midfield. Emmanuel Emegha had a nightmare debut against Liverpool, but Alonso may give him a chance to start ahead of Danny Welbeck, who also underperformed on Wednesday.

• Predicted Chelsea XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Hato; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Emegha