Garnacho Set to Ignite Old Trafford Homecoming as Chelsea Clash with Man Utd
Chelsea are looking to secure their first triumph at Old Trafford in more than ten years when they face Manchester United in Premier League action this Saturday.
Juan Mata netted the sole goal during Chelsea's last victory over the Red Devils at Old Trafford in 2013, but the Blues will rarely find a better chance to depart Manchester with maximum points than this weekend. United have managed only one win this season and find themselves in early-season turmoil already.
Chelsea will be dealing with the aftermath of their midweek Champions League journey to Bayern Munich, carrying fatigue back to England following their 3–1 loss at the Allianz Arena. Thankfully, Enzo Maresca possesses one of Europe's most extensive squads and has the resources perfectly suited to triumph at Old Trafford this weekend.
Here's how Maresca might deploy Chelsea in Manchester.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—The Spanish keeper produced several outstanding stops despite allowing three goals in Bavaria and will be keen to demonstrate his shot-stopping ability against United. His distribution remains questionable, though.
RB: Reece James—The England defender played in midfield against Bayern but might return to his preferred right-back position after Malo Gusto's mistake in midweek.
CB: Wesley Fofana—Fofana was deployed at right-back against Brentford last weekend but was substituted at halftime as Maresca adjusted his formation. The French defender could fill in for weary players at center-back.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—Chalobah followed a disappointing performance at Brentford with an unlucky own goal at the Allianz, but Maresca should maintain confidence in the English defender—particularly with Levi Colwill sidelined long-term.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Jorrel Hato failed to impress on his Premier League debut at Brentford, receiving his second yellow card of the season and being substituted at the interval. Cucurella remains Maresca's preferred left-back option.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Caicedo's combative style typically benefits the Blues but resulted in a penalty concession at Bayern. The Ecuadorian midfielder boasts an unexpectedly impressive scoring record against United—they're the only team he's found the net against twice.
DM: Enzo Fernández—Fernández operated in an advanced midfield position against Bayern but is expected to resume his double pivot role at Old Trafford. He excels at arriving late in the box and already has two goals plus an assist in league play this season.
AM: Cole Palmer—Palmer has now found the scoresheet in consecutive matches following his injury comeback, delivering an exquisite finish in midweek in Germany. He netted a hat-trick against United in that incredible 4–3 encounter during 2023–24.
RW: Estêvão—The Brazilian entered late at the Allianz but lacked sufficient time to create any moments of brilliance. He's enjoyed a fantastic beginning to his Stamford Bridge journey and has expressed surprise at the playing time Maresca has afforded him.
ST: João Pedro—Pedro has been unstoppable in his early Chelsea tenure, contributing two goals and three assists in Premier League competition. He's previously scored against United while representing Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho—Maresca has declared Garnacho is now "prepared to start" and the Italian manager might throw his summer signing into the spotlight. Having completed a £40 million transfer from United during the summer, he's unlikely to receive a friendly reception upon his Old Trafford return.
