Chelsea vs Manchester United – Predicted lineup and team news

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·18 avril 2026

Chelsea vs Manchester United – Predicted lineup and team news

Chelsea host Manchester United tonight in a high-stakes encounter that could define their European ambitions.

The Blues have hit a significant stumbling block, losing their last three Premier League matches. Liam Rosenior’s side now sit sixth, four points behind the Champions League qualification zone. Since March began, no side in the elite European leagues has lost more games than Chelsea. They must avoid a fourth straight league defeat to keep their top-five dreams alive.

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Stamford Bridge has recently been a kind hunting ground for the hosts in this specific fixture. Chelsea have lost just one of their last 12 home league games against United. They now aim to win three in a row against the Reds at home for the first time since 2006. A victory today would move them within four points of their visitors.

Chelsea team news

The headline news for the hosts is the return of Enzo Fernández to the matchday squad. Rosenior confirmed the Argentine has trained well after missing the last two fixtures. Fernández is arguably Chelsea’s most influential player in the final third. He leads the squad in shots on target, chances created, and successful passes in the opposition area.

Significantly, Fernández also leads the entire Premier League for defensive line-breaking passes. His presence in the double pivot should provide much-needed service to João Pedro and Cole Palmer. Trevoh Chalobah is also close to a return but may only feature from the bench. The defender has participated in modified training but is not yet at 100 per cent.

Levi Colwill is stepping up his recovery but will play for the Under-21s first. Rosenior is determined to ensure the defender is fully fit before a first-team return. Furthermore, Reece James remains further away from the group as he continues his lengthy rehabilitation. Robert Sánchez will continue in goal behind a back four including Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea must address a worrying lack of goals during the first half of matches. They have scored just four times before the break since the turn of the year. This underperformance comes despite an expected goals (xG) figure of 8.2 in those periods. Neto and Palmer will be tasked with providing the clinical edge missing in recent weeks. A strong start tonight is essential to quieten a travelling United support.