Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to the Manchester United starting line-up for the Premier League clash at Chelsea, while Leny Yoro could be dropped after a difficult run of results.
United travel to Stamford Bridge this afternoon (12.30pm) looking to end an eight-match winless streak. Michael Carrick remains in charge despite back-to-back defeats to Como and Bournemouth, with the club hierarchy keeping faith in the head coach and the players vowing to turn things around.
United have won only two of their 12 matches so far this season. Chelsea versus United is the most drawn fixture in Premier League history, with 27 of the last 68 meetings ending level.
Team Selection Predictions
Express Sport's writers have offered their predicted line-ups for the match. Charlie Malam suggests one change from the Bournemouth defeat, with Diogo Dalot moving to left-back and Leny Yoro shifting to right-back. Lisandro Martinez replaces Ayden Heaven, while Andrey Santos drops out as Bruno Fernandes returns, with Youri Tielemans dropping deeper alongside Carlos Baleba.
Archie Griggs believes Yoro was poor against Bournemouth and is not a left-back, suggesting Noussair Mazraoui could do a better job in that position. Griggs also proposes Kobbie Mainoo coming into midfield in place of Tielemans, with Matheus Cunha potentially featuring up front and Bryan Mbeumo out wide.
Midfield and Attack Plans
Amos Murphy expects Fernandes to service an attack of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford, should the Englishman pass a fitness test. Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans would play behind, with a centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.
Tom Victor suggests United could shift Lisandro Martinez across to left-back to prioritise experience in central defence, with Kobbie Mainoo potentially returning to solve midfield issues. A recall for Fernandes after clear-the-air talks, coupled with a fluid attacking trio, may allow United to take advantage of a Chelsea back line.
Benjamin Sesko remains out injured, with one report suggesting he is unavailable until 2027. Danny Welbeck is expected to start for Chelsea in place of the injured Joao Pedro.
