Manchester United Clash with Chelsea: Bold Predictions, Key Battles, and Starting XI Revealed

Ruben Amorim faces another demanding test as Manchester United boss with a challenging Premier League encounter against Chelsea.

The Red Devils' dramatic win over Burnley before the international break stands as their sole victory this campaign, with yet another disappointing display last weekend adding to defeats against Arsenal, Grimsby Town and local rivals Manchester City. The pressure is mounting on Amorim during this troubling spell.

United have shown glimpses of progress this season, but these have been quickly extinguished by individual mistakes and disappointing outcomes. They urgently require a positive response following the disappointment of the Manchester derby, though morale is currently at rock bottom both in the Old Trafford dressing room and among supporters.

Chelsea will be keen to inflict further pain on United this Saturday, though they face the drawback of European travel during the week. The Blues flew to Germany for their 3–1 loss to Bundesliga titleholders Bayern Munich, expending considerable mental and physical resources in Bavaria.

Enzo Maresca will maintain belief that his team can bounce back to winning form after two games without success—the Bayern defeat following last weekend's domestic stalemate at Brentford. Chelsea stay undefeated in league play and enter as favorites for the Manchester trip.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Saturday's encounter at Old Trafford.

What Time Does Man Utd vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?

Man Utd vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Man Utd vs. Chelsea on TV

Man Utd Team News

Amorim has announced two encouraging injury developments, with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount included in Saturday's squad to face Chelsea. Both players sustained injuries during the Burnley victory and were unavailable for the Manchester derby, with Mount returning just in time to confront his previous club.

Nevertheless, Amorim will be missing three defenders for the weekend, as Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martínez and Tyrell Malacia remain unavailable.

Dalot has been sidelined since the international window and while Martínez is progressing toward a comeback after more than seven months out, he remains unfit. Following an unsuccessful attempt to secure a summer departure, Malacia is gradually building his fitness as he rejoins the first-team setup.

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Bayındır; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Amad; Šeško.

Chelsea Team News

Maresca has stated that former United attacker Alejandro Garnacho is "prepared to begin" this weekend and the Argentine will likely face an unwelcoming reception should he appear at Old Trafford.

Chelsea are missing the injured trio of Dário Essugo, Liam Delap and Levi Cowlill, while Roméo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile are both questionable as they recover from fitness issues.

Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer is healthy and available for his return to Manchester, with the attacking midfielder finding the net in his previous two appearances for the Blues

Mykhailo Mudryk remains banned for a positive drug test.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Estêvão, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.

Man Utd vs. Chelsea Score Prediction

Old Trafford has frequently served as more of an obstacle than advantage for United recently and the atmosphere for Chelsea's arrival is unlikely to be welcoming. Fans will be ready to express their displeasure should the Red Devils begin poorly, with the tension potentially overwhelming for them to handle.

Chelsea haven't been perfect this season but possess a considerably stronger and more complete squad than their opponents, with the offensive capability to breach a United defense still seeking their first shutout.

Amorim suffered defeat in his initial encounter with Chelsea in May and might need to endure a similar outcome on Saturday.

Prediction: Man Utd 1–3 Chelsea