This is always a massive game in the Premier League season, but the pressure has been cranked up for both as Chelsea host Manchester United on Saturday.

Xabi Alonso saw his side put in a poor display as they lost at home to rivals Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, while they were also dumped out of the League Cup at Liverpool on penalty kicks on Wednesday despite Alonso putting out a very strong team. Although the pressure is starting to build a little on Alonso, Chelsea are still in the top four conversation after a topsy-turvy start to his reign, while injuries haven’t been kind to him.

Nothing has really been kind to Michael Carrick and Manchester United so far this season. After just two wins from 12 games in all competitions, including a couple of recent hammerings to Como and Bournemouth, the pressure is on Carrick and many expected him to be fired this week. But he’s still in charge for this game and it seems like things have been patched up with Bruno Fernandes with United’s captain to come back into the team. Carrick desperately needs a positive display, and a win, as he fights for his job.

How to watch Chelsea vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 8:30am ET Saturday (October 31)
Venue: Stamford Bridge — West London
TV Channel: USA
Stream link: Watch on USA

Chelsea team news

Cole Palmer will return from suspension after his two yellow cards saw his sent off against Spurs last weekend and he missed the midweek League Cup loss at Liverpool. He will come straight back in and play alongside Morgan Rogers, and probably underneath Danny Welbeck. In Joao Pedro’s damaging absence through injury Welbeck is the most likely option to start but Geovany Quenda and Estevao did not feature in midweek, so Alonso could be saving them for this game. Youngster Mike Penders will continue in goal as Emiliano Martinez is trying to return as quickly as possible from his fractured jaw, but this game will come too soon. Reece James, Jamie Gittens and Maxence Lacroix are out, while Pep Chavarria, Moises Caicedo and Jorrel Hato are all listed as doubts.

Manchester United team news

Carrick has confirmed in his pre-match press conference that United’s captain Bruno Fernandes is available after he was an unused sub in the 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth last Sunday. United have confirmed that striker Benjamin Sesko is still out with a shin injury, but Kobbie Mainoo is back in contention which is a big bonus. It will be so intriguing to see who starts with Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez both likely to come back into the lineup after their recent comments off the pitch. It is likely Carrick will go to a hybrid back three which worked well at Leeds in a recent a draw. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt comes in to start. United need all the experience they can get in this situation and know Chelsea will give them chances which they have to make the most of.

Chelsea vs Manchester United prediction

This feels like both teams will be a bit cagey given recent results, performances and injuries piling up. Go for the draw. Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United.