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Manchester United and Chelsea are set to meet in one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League weekend, with both clubs juggling new arrivals, injury setbacks, and the pressure to climb higher in the table.
United’s Injury Woes and Squad Changes
Manchester United continue to face challenges with squad availability. Defender Lisandro Martínez remains out, while big-money summer signing Matheus Cunha has joined the injury list. Mason Mount and right-back Diogo Dalot are doubtful, further straining Erik ten Hag’s options.
Captain Bruno Fernandes, who has scored once in the league this season, remains one of the few consistent performers for the Red Devils. Among the new signings, Bryan Mbeumo has settled quickly, notching one goal in the early rounds. Benjamin Šeško, another high-profile recruit, has yet to start a league game, having been eased in from the bench during United’s first three fixtures.
At the back, 18-year-old Frenchman Leny Yoro is quickly emerging as an important figure, while Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayındır has struggled to convince since taking over as first-choice. The summer also saw a major overhaul: André Onana departed for Trabzonspor, Victor Lindelöf joined Aston Villa, Christian Eriksen was released, and attacking options Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea), Antony (Betis), Rasmus Højlund (Napoli), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), and Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa) all moved on.
In return, United bolstered the squad with Antwerp’s Maarten Vandevoordt Lammens in goal, full-back Diego León from Cerro Porteño, and attacking reinforcements including Cunha from Wolves, Mbeumo from Brentford, and Šeško from RB Leipzig.
Chelsea’s Reinforced Attack
Chelsea also bring a lengthy injury list into the clash. Cole Palmer could return but remains doubtful, while midfield recruit Dario Essugo and striker Liam Delap are ruled out. Benoît Badiashile and Romeo Lavia remain unavailable, and winger Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve a suspension for a doping violation.
Despite these setbacks, Chelsea’s frontline has looked lively. João Pedro has already registered two goals and two assists, while Estevão and Garnacho offer youthful energy on the flanks. Midfield anchors Enzo Fernández (two goals, one assist) and Moisés Caicedo provide structure, while Reece James is expected to return to the starting XI.
The Blues were once again busy in the transfer market this summer, offloading Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), and Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan). In exchange, they secured Ajax full-back Jorrel Hato, Sporting’s Essugo, Brighton’s Buonanotte and João Pedro, Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, United’s Garnacho, Ipswich’s Delap, and Palmeiras starlet Estevão.
Tactical Outlook
United are expected to stick with Bayındır in goal, supported by a back three of Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw. Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo should provide width, while Kobbie Mainoo could make his first league start of the season alongside Casemiro.
Chelsea will likely focus on controlling possession and probing through the creativity of Fernández and Palmer (if fit). João Pedro will lead the attack, supported by dynamic wingers Estevão and Garnacho.
Prediction
United’s home form at Old Trafford often gives them a competitive edge, but Chelsea arrive with greater depth and attacking fluency. While Fernandes and Šeško could cause problems—especially on transitions—Chelsea’s balanced midfield and clinical front line may prove decisive.
Prediction: Manchester United 1:3 Chelsea
