Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd: Garnacho to Start on Old Trafford Return

Chelsea travel to Old Trafford seeking their first win there since 2013. Fatigue from the Bayern trip could blunt them, but a deep squad gives Maresca options. Betting angle: consider Chelsea win or double chance; also expect goals — both teams to score is plausible.

Chelsea hunt first Old Trafford victory in over a decade

Chelsea head to Manchester United aiming to break an 11-year hoodoo at Old Trafford. Juan Mata’s 2013 strike was the last time the Blues left with three points at United, and this weekend presents one of their better chances given United’s sluggish start to the season.

Midweek exertions vs. squad depth

Chelsea arrive after a 3–1 defeat to Bayern Munich, with travel and intensity likely to leave some players fatigued. Manager Enzo Maresca, however, can call on one of Europe’s deeper squads, which should blunt that effect and allow rotation to target a positive result in Manchester.

Team news and selection considerations

Goalkeeper

GK: Robert Sánchez — Made impressive saves despite conceding three in Germany and will want to prove himself at Old Trafford. Ball-playing remains a work in progress.

Defence

RB: Reece James — Played in midfield against Bayern but could revert to right back after Malo Gusto’s midweek error. CB: Wesley Fofana — Used at right back vs Brentford and withdrawn at half-time, Fofana could slot back into centre back if rotation is required. CB: Trevoh Chalobah — After an own goal at the Allianz, Maresca is likely to retain faith in Chalobah, especially with Levi Colwill sidelined. LB: Marc Cucurella — Jorrel Hato struggled on his debut; Cucurella remains the preferred left-back option.

Midfield

DM: Moisés Caicedo — His aggressive game can unsettle opponents but also cost penalties; noteworthy is his strong scoring record against United. DM: Enzo Fernández — Likely to return to a double-pivot role after a more advanced role in Munich; Fernández’s late runs into the box are a key threat.

Attack

RW: Cole Palmer — Back-to-back goals since returning from injury, including a brilliant finish in Germany; he has history of scoring against United. AM/RW: Estêvão — A late substitute at Bayern without time to influence the game; he’s adapted quickly and earned Maresca’s trust. ST: João Pedro — Prolific early in his Chelsea career with goals and assists already; he has previously scored against United for other clubs. LW: Alejandro Garnacho — Maresca has suggested he’s ready to start; if the summer recruit is thrown into the deep end, expect a hostile reception on his Old Trafford return.

Tactical outlook and what to expect

Chelsea are likely to balance rotation with ambition: steady defensive cover from Caicedo and Fernández, while Palmer and João Pedro should spearhead the attack. If fatigue shows, Maresca’s bench depth will be decisive. United’s form suggests Chelsea can target a win, but open play and Chelsea’s attacking returns make goals at both ends probable.

Betting implications

With United inconsistent and Chelsea’s attack in form despite the Bayern defeat, the market may favour a Chelsea win or double chance. Given both sides’ defensive lapses and Chelsea’s goal threats, backing both teams to score could offer value.

The Blues were disappointing in midweek and changes may be rung by Enzo Maresca.

Si