Predicted Lineup: Manchester United vs Chelsea

As the Premier League returns, Chelsea fans are buzzing with anticipation for our trip to Old Trafford. Kick-off at 5:30PM BST on Saturday promises fireworks in this Premier League classic, where Enzo Maresca's high-flying Blues look to extend our unbeaten Premier League run against a scrambling Manchester United side under Ruben Amorim.

With summer signings like Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro looking set to start, we're primed to exploit United's injury woes and defensive frailties. In this Chelsea vs Manchester United predicted line-ups preview, we dive into our potential starting XI, the Red Devils' makeshift setup, and why Stamford Bridge faithful should be dreaming of three points.

It's been 12 long years since Chelsea's last Premier League win at Old Trafford—that gritty 1-0 triumph on May 5, 2013, sealed by Juan Mata. But hope surges again this week, as Enzo Maresca's Blues are unbeaten in four Premier League games, armed with Garnacho's revenge fire, Palmer's wizardry, and a midfield engine in Fernández-Caicedo to control games.

On This Day in 2015, Juan Mata scored an 87th minute winner against Manchester United.

The last time Chelsea ever won at Old Trafford 🤯pic.twitter.com/9OvKbTNzxA

— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) May 5, 2025

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Full-Throttle Attack Meets Ironclad Midfield

No major shocks here – Maresca's sticking to the formula that's netted us 12 goals in 4 games. Levi Colwill's ACL nightmare side-lines him for the season, Liam Delap's hamstring tweak keeps him out until November, and Romeo Lavia's still easing back from his layoff.

But with Reece James back to his best and Alejandro Garnacho itching to haunt his old stomping grounds, we should be strong enough to come away with the three points. Here's the XI that'll have United chasing shadows:

Predicted XI:

GK: Robert Sánchez – Our No. 1's distribution has been pinpoint, launching counters that leave defenses dizzy. Expect him to boss his box against United's set-piece merchants.
RB: Reece James (C) – The skipper's crosses are weapons of mass destruction; he'll pin back whoever's on United's left, freeing Neto to roam.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah – Solid as they come, Trevoh's aerial prowess will neutralize Sesko
CB: Josh Acheampong – The academy gem who look really good against Crystal Palace steps in – raw talent, but his reading of the game screams future star. Paired with Chalobah, our centre-backs form a wall.
LB: Marc Cucurella – Tenacious and tireless, Marc's overlaps will stretch United's right flank to breaking point.
CM: Enzo Fernández – The maestro pulls strings from deep, his vision feeding Palmer's magic. United's midfield won't know what hit 'em.
CM: Moisés Caicedo – Our Ecuadorian destroyer wins duels for fun; expect him to shadow Fernandes and turn United's attacks to dust.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho – The £40m coup from United – what a steal! Alejandro's pace and tricks will torment his ex-teammates; revenge served hot on the left.
AM: Cole Palmer – Our golden boy returns from that minor groin niggle, pulling defenders like puppets. One Palmer penalty could seal this.
RW: Pedro Neto – Blistering speed meets silky skills; Pedro's direct runs will carve open Maguire's slow turns.
ST: João Pedro – The Brighton raid paid off big – João's hold-up and finishing make him perfect for linking our wings to goal.

My team vs Manchester United on Saturday. Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/CoXdCpykqw

— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) September 18, 2025

Tactical Breakdown: Why the Blues Will Bluesplode United

This is ours to lose. Our midfield duo – Fernández and Caicedo – will dictate, winning duels and recycling possession to feed the Palmer-Garnacho-Neto axis.

If we start the game like we did against Bayern Munich, then we have no reason to not get the three points.