According to a report by Football London on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has included Estevao Willian in his starting lineup for the Premier League encounter against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has returned to the visitors' starting team.

Chelsea head into the fixture hoping to respond positively after experiencing a difficult week marked by consecutive defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

The Blues suffered a home loss to Tottenham last weekend before their Carabao Cup campaign ended following a fourth-round defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday. Chelsea produced an encouraging performance at Anfield but eventually lost the contest through a penalty shootout.

Alonso will now expect his players to deliver a stronger performance against Manchester United as they attempt to return to winning ways.

United are also approaching the encounter under pressure following a disappointing sequence of results under manager Michael Carrick. Saturday's match presents another opportunity for Carrick to improve the team's performances and ease concerns surrounding his position.

Chelsea have made several adjustments to their starting lineup, with Brazilian teenager Estevao receiving an opportunity to feature in attack alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

Chelsea's confirmed starting XI consists of Mike Penders in goal, with Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill forming the defensive line.

Pedro Neto, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Palestra occupy the midfield and wing-back positions, while Estevao, Palmer and Rogers complete the attacking lineup.

The Chelsea substitutes are Sharman-Lowe, Subuloye, Malo Gusto, Chavarria, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Quenda, Emegha and Welbeck.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have received a significant boost with Fernandes returning to the starting lineup. The Portuguese midfielder was absent from the previous match against Bournemouth for footballing reasons.

His return gives Carrick an experienced creative option as United prepare for a challenging away fixture against Chelsea.

Both sides have important reasons to pursue victory. Chelsea are determined to end their difficult run of results, while Manchester United will be seeking a response after their recent disappointing performances.