Chelsea v Manchester United preview: Palmer available, Mainoo back in training and Carrick's winless run
Cole Palmer serves his ban in the Carabao Cup and can face Manchester United on Saturday. Kobbie Mainoo is back in training, but United are 16th, without a win in eight games and still missing Sesko, Shaw, Ugarte and Dorgu.
Saturday's early Premier League game takes Michael Carrick to Stamford Bridge with his job under the spotlight. Chelsea v Manchester United kicks off on Saturday 31 October at 12:30 UK (20:30 Beijing), live on TNT Sports.
The table and form
| Chelsea | Man United | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | 5th, 13 points | 16th, 7 points |
| Record | W4 D1 L3 | W1 D4 L3 |
| Last five | D L W W L (league) | D L D L L (all competitions) |
| Coach | Xabi Alonso | Michael Carrick |
United are without a win in eight matches in all competitions, and their 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth was the low point — Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth. The club have decided to keep Carrick in charge for now — see Carrick to stay for Chelsea.
Chelsea team news
- Cole Palmer is available. He was sent off against Tottenham, but domestic bans carry across competitions, so he serves his one-match ban in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool.
- João Pedro is out with a thigh problem. He has eight Premier League goal contributions this season, so his absence is a big one.
- Chelsea have scored 17 goals in their last five home games, but have conceded in every one of them.
Their last league game was a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham, only Spurs' second league win at Stamford Bridge in 37 attempts — Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham. Discipline has been a theme: Chelsea's red-card problem.
Manchester United team news
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Kobbie Mainoo | Back in training on Wednesday after missing four games |
| Marcus Rashford | Big doubt, hip, missed training again |
| Lisandro Martínez | Fit, came off the bench against Bournemouth |
| Benjamin Šeško, Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu | Out |
| Bruno Fernandes | Expected to return to the starting XI |
Fernandes was left on the bench and did not play against Bournemouth. Reports say he is set to start again after talks with Carrick. United have won one of their last 11 games without him in the starting line-up.
Three things to watch
1. Can United keep a clean sheet? Their only shutout this season came against Champions League debutants Sabah. Chelsea have scored 17 goals in their last five home games.
2. Palmer's return. With João Pedro out, more of Chelsea's attack goes through Palmer. He is coming back from a red card he called "not good enough by me".
3. Carrick's selection. Mainoo and Fernandes both starting would be a clear change from the Bournemouth game. United have not gone nine games without a win this century.
Head to head
The last five meetings have been close: Chelsea two wins, United two wins, one draw.
FAQ
What time is Chelsea v Man Utd? Saturday 31 October, 12:30 UK time, which is 20:30 in Beijing.
Is Cole Palmer suspended for Chelsea v Man Utd? No. His one-match ban is served in the Carabao Cup game at Liverpool on Wednesday, so he can play on Saturday.
Is Kobbie Mainoo fit? He returned to training on Wednesday 28 October after missing four matches, so he could be in the squad.
Where are Chelsea and Man Utd in the table? Chelsea are fifth with 13 points and United are 16th with 7, after eight games.
