Chelsea vs Manchester United Prediction and Preview: 31 October

Chelsea form and league position

Chelsea are fifth on 13 points with a goal difference of plus two, in a Europa League league-phase place. Their last five league and cup results read a mixed LWWL, taking in a 5-1 win over Bournemouth and a 2-0 win at Everton, but also a 0-3 loss at Brentford and a 0-2 home defeat to Tottenham. Their most recent game was a 1-1 draw at Liverpool in the League Cup.

At home they have scored 2.8 goals per game this season and conceded 2.0, across eight league matches. One report notes that Chelsea have conceded in each of their last five home league games, so the hosts have not been watertight at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United form and recent struggles

United are 16th on seven points with a goal difference of minus three, and have not won away in the league this season, drawing three and losing one. Their last five matches across all competitions brought four defeats or draws without a win: a 0-3 home loss to Bournemouth, a 1-4 defeat at Como in the Champions League, a 1-1 draw at Leeds, a 0-2 loss at Atletico Madrid and a 1-1 draw with Tottenham. One report says they have won only one of their last eight in all competitions.

Their league numbers show 1.0 goals per game scored away and 1.5 conceded, with no clean sheets and three games without scoring. Off the pitch, Bruno Fernandes was left on the bench against Bournemouth, and head coach Carrick described the decision as tactical while denying a report that the captain criticised the staff.

Head-to-head and team news

Chelsea against United has been tight lately. United won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in April 2026 and 2-1 at Old Trafford in September 2025, while Chelsea won 1-0 in May 2025. Before that came a 1-1 draw and a 4-3 Chelsea win, so goals have not been rare in this fixture.

Chelsea are without Joao Pedro (thigh), Emiliano Martinez (jaw surgery, so Mike Penders is projected in goal) and Reece James, who is not expected back until January. Cole Palmer is available again after suspension. United are without Benjamin Sesko, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, while Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are game-time decisions and their centre-back options are uncertain. Predicted XIs differ between sources, so check confirmed line-ups before kick-off.

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