Chelsea
Cole Palmer is set to return to Chelsea's attack after serving his one-match suspension in Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool. His availability offers Xabi Alonso another creative option, although the manager has fresh defensive concerns. Maxence Lacroix suffered a hamstring injury at Anfield and is not expected back before the international break, while Jorrel Hato is also unavailable. Moisés Caicedo, however, has been cleared to play after being substituted in the cup tie.
Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana are candidates to form the central defensive partnership, with Malo Gusto potentially continuing at left-back. Further forward, João Pedro's thigh injury leaves Alonso choosing between different attacking combinations. Danny Welbeck started against Liverpool, with Emmanuel Emegha coming off the bench for his Chelsea debut. Emegha is still building match fitness, making Welbeck the more likely starter. Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto could provide the width around Palmer as Chelsea try to recover from successive defeats.
Manchester United
Michael Carrick has backed Bruno Fernandes to help Manchester United recover from their worsening run of results. The captain was an unused substitute during last weekend's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, a decision that attracted considerable attention. Carrick has since insisted Fernandes remains fully committed to the club, leaving the midfielder well placed to return against Chelsea. United have gone eight competitive matches without winning, increasing the importance of finding greater attacking cohesion.
Benjamin Šeško remains sidelined with a shin injury, meaning Bryan Mbeumo is a strong candidate to continue through the middle. Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo and Mason Mount offer different options around Fernandes. In defence, Lisandro Martínez could regain his starting position after appearing as a substitute against Bournemouth. Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire remain important options, while Matthijs de Ligt is working his way back after a lengthy absence. Kobbie Mainoo has also resumed training, although Carrick has stopped short of guaranteeing his availability for the matchday squad.
