According to a report by Football London on Friday October 30, 2026, Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick are under increasing pressure following recent disappointing results for Manchester United, and on Saturday afternoon, Chelsea will welcome them to Stamford Bridge for a crucial Premier League encounter.

Following last weekend's loss to Tottenham Hotspur and Wednesday's elimination from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Liverpool, the Blues are eager to get back on track. In order to get three important points, Alonso must now choose his best available lineup.

While Emiliano Martinez is out with a jaw injury, Mike Penders will likely start in goal. While Penders' costly error against Tottenham was disappointing, his promising performance against Liverpool bodes well for his chances of keeping his starting job.

The hamstring injury that Maxence Lacroix sustained has limited Chelsea's defensive options. It follows that Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill are likely to start, and Jorrel Hato, who was absent for Wednesday's match, may make a triumphant return in Wesley Fofana's stead.

Since Pedro Neto has become an integral part of Alonso's starting lineup, he should continue to play right wing-back. After his encouraging performance against Liverpool, Marco Palestra could play on the other side of the attack.

Playing the whole match on Wednesday was Romeo Lavia's first opportunity to do so in over three years. This would give Alonso the opportunity to rest him and get back to his midfield partnership with Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson.

After serving his one-match suspension, Cole Palmer is once again available. Chelsea will gain a creative boost and an extra attacking threat with the return of the England international and Morgan Rogers to the attacking midfield.

Although Emmanuel Emegha had a rough debut versus Liverpool, he may get another chance to spearhead the attack. Alonso may be swayed by Danny Welbeck's dismal midweek performance, but he is still an option.

Predicted Chelsea XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Hato; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Emegha