Chelsea

Win probability

Markets

Key factors

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  Key player out · Chelsea

  Alonso said on Tuesday that striker Joao Pedro has a thigh injury, will be out for a few weeks and is not ready for the next games. Trimmed below the cap because he already missed the Spurs game.

  CHE
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  Starter out · Chelsea

  Centre-back Lacroix went off in the first half at Liverpool on Wednesday with an apparent hamstring injury. Half weight until his status is confirmed.

  CHE
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  Fixture congestion · Chelsea

  After the league defeat to Spurs, Chelsea played a strong side in the Carabao Cup at Liverpool on Wednesday night and lost on penalties. Saturday's 12:30 kickoff is their third game in eight days.

  CHE
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  Backup goalkeeper · Chelsea

  First-choice keeper Emiliano Martinez is out after surgery on a fractured jaw, so Mike Penders keeps goal. Trimmed because Penders has already started recent games.

  CHE
• ●
  Key attacker out · Chelsea

  Chelsea are without striker Joao Pedro, out for a few weeks with a thigh injury per Alonso.

  CHE
• ●
  Key defender out · Chelsea

  Centre-back Lacroix limped off at Liverpool with an apparent hamstring injury; counted at half weight as a doubt.

  CHE
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  Sky says the Villa game is key to Carrick's future: United are 17th, Wilcox and Berrada are weighing options, and no interim is planned if he goes, though no other coach has been approached.

  Sky says the Villa game is key to Carrick's future: United are 17th, Wilcox and Berrada are weighing options, and no interim is planned if he goes, though no other coach has been approached.

  MUN
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  Dorgu returned to training at Carrington after more than a month out with a hamstring problem, having missed six games.

  Dorgu returned to training at Carrington after more than a month out with a hamstring problem, having missed six games.

  MUN

Preview

Chelsea are fifth on 13 points, but they arrive after two straight defeats: 2-0 at home to Spurs, then a penalty shoot-out exit at Liverpool on Wednesday night. Saturday's early kickoff is their third game in eight days. Striker Joao Pedro is out for a few weeks with a thigh injury, centre-back Lacroix went off at Anfield with an apparent hamstring problem, and Mike Penders stays in goal while Emiliano Martinez recovers from jaw surgery. Cole Palmer has served his ban and should be back. Manchester United are 16th, one point above the drop zone, and without a win in eight games in all competitions after losing 4-1 at Como and 3-0 at home to Bournemouth. Michael Carrick keeps his job for this trip, and must decide whether to recall captain Bruno Fernandes. Goals are the common thread: Chelsea's home games average 4.75 goals this season (2.75 scored, 2.0 conceded). Chelsea's missing striker trims the home edge, but a young keeper and a shaky United defence keep the goals case alive. We rate over 2.5 goals at 60%.

Head to head

• 2026-04-18Chelsea 0–1 Manchester UnitedPremier League
• 2025-09-20Manchester United 2–1 ChelseaPremier League
• 2025-05-16Chelsea 1–0 Manchester UnitedPremier League
• 2024-11-03Manchester United 1–1 ChelseaPremier League
• 2024-04-04Chelsea 4–3 Manchester UnitedPremier League