Chelsea XI vs Manchester United: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today | OneFootball

Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho updates as Enzo Maresca’s Blues face more ‘doubts’ for Old Trafford trip

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Cole Palmer is fit to play as Chelsea travel to face Manchester United in the Premier League today, while Alejandro Garnacho will hope to start against his former club.

Palmer was seen clutching his leg at the end of the 3-1 defeat in Bavaria, raising fresh concerns about his fitness before the trip to Old Trafford.

However, Enzo Maresca offered a positive update on Palmer’s fitness on Friday, though admitted there were other new doubts lingering in his squad that would need to be assessed.

“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.”

Maresca also confirmed that Garnacho is ready to make his first start for Chelsea on his swift return to Old Trafford following a £40million move from Manchester United last month.

“In the last two games, he was very good when he came on,” Maresca said. “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.”

Reunion: Alejandro Garnacho goes back to Old Trafford with Chelsea just three weeks after leaving Manchester United

Action Images via Reuters

Maresca wasn’t able to confirm the progress of Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile, who have both been out injured since the Club World Cup but took part in training at Cobham this week.

Chelsea remain without longer-term absentees Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo, with Mykhailo Mudryk still unavailable.

Maresca’s side are looking to get back to winning ways this weekend by securing their first victory at Old Trafford in 12 years.

Fabio Carvalho’s stoppage-time strike denied the Blues three points away at Brentford in their last Premier League game before falling to a defeat by Bayern on their return to Europe.

While Chelsea remain unbeaten in the league this term, they are striving for more consistency as they look to challenge for the title after another summer of heavy spending.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Garnacho, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro

Injured: Colwill, Delap, Essugo

Doubts: Lavia, Badiashile

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 5.30pm BST on Saturday September 20, 2025

How to watch: Sky Sports