Chelsea Starting XI vs Man United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineups

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·20 September 2025

Chelsea Starting XI vs Man United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineups

Chelsea XI vs Man United: Predicted lineup, injury news and Premier League team updates

Chelsea travel to Old Trafford in one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League weekend, and Enzo Maresca faces some big calls on his team selection. The Italian coach is balancing fitness concerns with the need for stability as his side chase a first league win at Manchester United’s ground in 12 years.

Palmer fitness gives Chelsea timely boost

All eyes have been on Cole Palmer, who has been managing a groin injury since the opening day. The England international returned to the starting XI in midweek against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and could now feature from the beginning in the Premier League.

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“Cole is okay,” said the Chelsea boss. “We have a session now, we flew back yesterday [Thursday]. We need to assess some players; we have some doubt. We didn’t have a session since Wednesday’s game, but we will see.”

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Maresca was encouraged by Palmer’s recent contributions from the bench, adding: “In the last two games, he was very good when he came on. So, we are happy with the way he has adapted to our style and what we want from the winger. I think he is ready to start.”

Garnacho returns to Old Trafford in Chelsea colours

Perhaps the most intriguing subplot is Alejandro Garnacho’s swift return to Manchester United, only three weeks after leaving the club for Stamford Bridge. The winger is expected to feature against his former teammates, providing another layer of narrative to a contest already rich in history.

Maresca has been without several regulars for much of the campaign, yet Chelsea’s depth has allowed them to remain unbeaten in the Premier League so far. Despite that, he knows his side must find greater consistency if they are to mount a genuine title challenge.

Injury situation leaves Maresca with questions

Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile both trained at Cobham this week but their involvement is uncertain. The manager confirmed they remain doubts after long injury lay-offs since the Club World Cup.

Chelsea are definitely without Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo, all long-term absentees, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains sidelined. That list complicates selection for a high-profile fixture, although the squad has shown resilience.

Predicted Chelsea XI for Old Trafford clash

Maresca is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 system. Robert Sánchez should start in goal, with Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella across the back line. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are tipped to anchor midfield. The attacking quartet is likely to be Garnacho, Palmer, Pedro Neto and João Pedro.