Chelsea

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United will attempt to ease the pressure on under-fire head coach Michael Carrick against a Chelsea side who lost in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

Chelsea's elimination from the League Cup against Liverpool on Wednesday night was a disappointing return to Anfield for both manager Xabi Alonso and midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Former Liverpool captain Henderson did score during the unsuccessful shootout and while the result against a home team featuring seven changes may have been deflating, the result does allow Chelsea to focus solely on Premier League football until the FA Cup third round begins in January.

While the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool must contend with European football in addition to domestic games, Chelsea's comparatively lighter schedule could provide the opportunity to climb the Premier League table.

And being able to focus on league matches and one cup competition by this stage of the season has been a good omen in the past. The last time Chelsea were eliminated from the EFL Cup prior to the quarter-finals and were not involved in Europe, they won the title.

Alonso will want to arrest his poor playing record against Manchester United, with the former Liverpool midfielder losing five of the seven Premier League meetings, his joint-most defeats against any opponent along with Chelsea.

His most recent game against United as a player was in a 2-1 win with Real Madrid at Old Trafford in March 2013, when Michael Carrick played the full 90 minutes for the home team.

The Manchester United boss will be in charge at Stamford Bridge on Saturday despite a run of eight games without a win in all competitions. Captain Bruno Fernandes could also feature after "clear-the-air talks" with his head coach.

Fernandes was dropped for the home defeat to Bournemouth after criticising Carrick's tactics in the Champions League loss at Como, but the Portugal international's influence and ability will probably be needed if United are to alter their downward trajectory.

The Red Devils have won only 29% of their 17 Premier League games without Fernandes starting since he joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, in comparison to winning 49% of 233 when he does start.

Even if the manager-captain row has been resolved to the point of Fernandes returning to the team, wholesale improvement across the board is also necessary with United facing the prospect of failing to win nine matches in a row for the first time since 1988.

Carrick could be boosted by the return of Kobbie Mainoo, who returned to training earlier this week following two weeks out injured, while Harry Maguire could make his 300th Premier League appearance in this match.

Maguire is one of only three United players to have played every minute so far this season, along with Senne Lammens and Bryan Mbeumo.

Everyone will be watching this game because of Michael Carrick's situation at Manchester United and wondering how much longer he will be in charge.

Carrick kept his job after the heavy defeats against Como and Bournemouth last week and my view is that, by keeping him on for now, they are possibly just prolonging the misery for him really.

Going by how insipid United were against Bournemouth, it is hard to see them going to Chelsea and getting anything.

Chelsea were not much better in their defeat by Tottenham last weekend and since then they have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool too.

Xabi Alonso is still without the injured Joao Pedro so I expect Danny Welbeck will lead their attack like he did against Liverpool and Cole Palmer will be back after his suspension.

Chelsea have had a bad week but I can't see things changing for United, even if Bruno Fernandes is back in their team.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

As Chelsea fans left Stamford Bridge into the pouring west London rain at the end of a rare defeat by rivals Tottenham last Saturday, the mood among them reflected the weather.

It was the lowest it had been since before news broke of Xabi Alonso's pending appointment as manager a short time after May's FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City bought a new-found optimism at the end of an exhausting campaign.

The Blues allowed themselves to be bullied by a Spurs side they have taken such pride in dominating for so many years and last season's discipline problems threatened to re-emerge.

The mood has not lifted this week, despite an improved performance in Wednesday's penalty shootout Carabao Cup exit to Alonso's former side Liverpool at Anfield. Unhelpful sub-plots continued to emerge and develop.

Last season's shining light, Estevao, was once again was left on the bench while Wesley Fofana only served to further damage his poor standing among Chelsea fans by giving away a penalty and then missing the decisive spot-kick.

Emmanuel Emegha finally made his debut and, while impressing in flashes with his sharp movement, still looks very raw and needlessly barged into Virgil van Dijk before also missing in the shoot-out. It is too early to consider him a viable back-up to the much-missed Joao Pedro.

So Saturday's visit of crisis club Manchester United takes on added importance. Win and Chelsea will end the day back in the top four before Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday. Fans can enjoy the rest of the Premier League weekend while Alonso and his squad have some breathing space in the eight days before next Sunday's trip to struggling Sunderland.

Drop points again and the Spaniard will come under real scrutiny. A draw would feel unsatisfactory, but to lose at home to Spurs and this haggard United side, and exit a cup which they harboured realistic ambitions of winning, within a week would raise serious questions.

Two wins and a combined seven goals against Bournemouth and Everton after the last international break banished memories of the limp 3-0 defeat to Brentford, but Alonso needs a win to avoid the mumurings of disatisfaction not only returning but getting much louder.

United boss Michael Carrick now appears charged with a weekly mission to hang on to his job, and, although it is far too early to say the same about his opposite number on Saturday, a victory for Alonso would go some way to ensuring the mood around the club improves at the end of a chastening week.

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge (12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alonso gave an update on defender Maxence Lacroix, who limped off during Wednesday's Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool: "Max picked up an injury and we expect he will not be available before the international break. He will be out for a few weeks."

• Could goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez return before the international break? "Yes there is a chance. We need to still wait for the next week, let's see how things go. In case he is ready to play, he will need a face mask."

• Moises Caicedo has "no issue" after appearing to pick up a knock at Anfield and Pep Chavarria is back in the squad, while Jorrel Hato remains sidelined.

• Who could replace Lacroix in the coming weeks?: "With Max's injury, Wes [Fofana], Levi [Colwill], Josh [Acheampong] and Jorrel can play centre-back."

• On facing United after defeats by Tottenham and Liverpool: "We are back in Premier League mode and that for me is the main competition for us - this year and almost every year. It is a big one. We didn't have long to prepare but its really important after the last home game we had that we keep winning games and get that winning feeling."

• Alonso was asked about Estevao's lack of minutes after he again was left on the bench against Liverpool: "Yeah sure he will play. The season is long and there will be opportunities for everyone. He will have his minutes. We are still early in the season but he will be there. It is not about attitude, it is about the context of games. He is a great guy. We are still in October and he will be important."

• He added there is "no discussion" about a possible loan for the winger in January.

• What has he learned in the past week?: "I've seen a better version of us on Wednesday than I did on Saturday even though the result wasn't what we wanted in either. This is a journey where we will have tough moments and we need to learn from them."

• On United and their head coach Michael Carrick's recent struggles: "I have great respect, I have great sympathy for Michael as a manager. I know him because we have played against each other. We played recently in a legends game and had a chat. He is a good guy and one you want to be around. Aside from that it is not for me to comment."

• Has he spoken to Cole Palmer after his red card against Spurs?: "We have spoken about the game and things we can improve. But, we always do. We don't want it repeated but for him it is the first one. So we have talked more about football because Cole is a smart guy."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There is nothing that creates scrutiny quite like not winning football matches.

Xabi Alonso is under nowhere near the same pressure as his opposite number, Michael Carrick, before Chelsea host Manchester United on Saturday.

However, a home league defeat by Tottenham has brought increased scrutiny, with questions raised about his tactics, while a penalty shootout loss at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup added to his problems.

The latter result on Wednesday was notable for who did not play: namely, Estevao Willian.

The Brazilian teenager is regarded as one of the world's brightest young attacking talents but has played only 172 minutes for Chelsea since the start of the season, the equivalent of less than two full matches.

Given the cup exit and no European competition, there are now even fewer matches available to Estevao and others on the fringes of Chelsea's large 27-man squad.

It is a curious situation that has driven discussion after travelling supporters on Merseyside chanted his name despite Estevao remaining an unused substitute.

Furthermore, Alonso's injury concerns are mounting.

Defender Maxence Lacroix is expected to be out until after the international break, joining Emiliano Martinez, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Reece James and Pep Chavarria on the sidelines.

More worryingly for Chelsea, Alonso cast doubt over the fitness of midfielder Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto following a "physical" match against Liverpool.

There will be plenty to discuss when Alonso speaks to the media at 13:30 GMT on Friday.

Come back to this page later for all the key lines from Alonso.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Chelsea's Wesley Fofana and whether it is time for the defender to move on or if you believe he has a future at Stamford Bridge, after comments from Blues fan Savage Dan on BBC Sport.

Here are some of your opinions:

Di: I completely agree with Savage Dan but who will be willing to pay for Fofana given his continual poor performances? Maybe the club has enough money to pay another club to take him off our hands.

Christopher: The coverage of Wes is harsh. We've lacked a leader since JT left. There are plenty of players who could, potentially, become a leader but they all seem too scared to show the sort of leadership skills JT possessed. If you're going to pick out Wes for the handball at Amfield, then what about Cole being needlessly sent off against Spurs? That cost us big time.

Daniel: Yes he should really pack and go, he's possibly one of the worst signings we've ever made. Almost five years worth nothing, hugely disappointing! We should have sold him earlier instead of Chalobah.

Pete: Fofana probably ranks right up there with one of our worst signings. Cannot think of a decent performance he has given since he joined.

David: I had such high hopes for Fofana. He looked great at Leicester. That said, he's been very disappointing at Chelsea. Maybe the injuries have taken their toll, but whatever it is, he needs to move to a slower paced, less physical league. Sooner rather than later. Maybe an Italian or French club would pay £30m for him?

Chelsea have been linked with a move for England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold if the 28-year-old Real Madrid defender becomes available. (Football Insider), external

Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund's United States winger Mathis Albert but Manchester City are favourites to sign the 17-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

The Blues could have a deal of about £90m agreed with Bournemouth for England midfielder Alex Scott, 23, before January. (Mail - subscription required), external

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United andTottenhamare keeping a close eye on Nicolo Tresoldi, but Club Brugge have no intention of selling the 22-year-old German striker in January. (Football Insider), external

Finally, the Blues are monitoring 21-year-old Comodefender Jacobo Ramon, with Arsenal and Manchester United also linked with the Spaniard. (Mail - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Blues fan Savage Dan says he is "not sure where Wesley Fofana's Chelsea career goes from here" in reaction to the defender's display against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Fofana joined the Blues in 2022 for £70m from Leicester City but has made just 78 appearances, though the 25-year-old did miss the whole 2023-24 season because of an ACL injury.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the defeat by Liverpool, Savage Dan said: "How many times am I going to say that there are players at the club who do not deserve to play for Chelsea, who do not deserve to put on that shirt?

"Wesley Fofana, I'm sorry to have to point you out yet again, but to give away the handball [penalty] and then, in a penalty shootout that seemed to be going on forever, to miss the decisive penalty as well, adds insult to injury.

"I'm not sure where his Chelsea career goes from here. I've been waiting for him to show us something for years and years and it still has not come to fruition. Maybe this will be the straw that broke the camel's back."

What are your thoughts on Fofana? Is it time for the defender to move on or do you believe he has a future at Stamford Bridge?

Get in touch with your views here

Watch the full clip on what Savage Dan had to say about Fofana and Chelsea's Carabao Cup exit here

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has seen a specialist about getting a mask fitted.

The hope is that he can return earlier than slated but his exact return date remains to be confirmed.

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's EFL Cup match between Liverpool and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Oliver: A pretty even game but Liverpool had plenty of chances to take an advantage. Last 20 minutes were a complete mess after the subs came on. Penalties could've gone either way. My heart can't take it. I have confidence that this could be our year for this competition.

Sam: We got two wins today! The second being that Joe Gomez scored!

Alun: Nothing really learnt. We just progressed. Chelsea were a same level opponent and the teams just played each other out. Then pens are just a lottery.

Ken: A decent cup tie under the lights. So impressed with young Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, who are looking more and more accomplished with each passing game. Should've won inside 90 minutes but we would have then been deprived of a thrilling penalty shootout and Joe Gomez scoring the decisive goal at the Kop End! What a time to be alive!

Chelsea fans

Roger: Very poor, again. Much the stronger starting XI but no quality for 90 minutes. Welbeck deserves respect but, as we've seen already this season, is no longer a 90-minute man. It says all anyone needs to know about the club's leadership that we still think our squad is complete with just one bona fide striker. Another season of mediocrity.

Chris: Once again, I'm left wondering how we ever paid Leicester £75m for Wesley Fofana. Another disastrous performance from the French international? No wonder he can't get a game in the Premier League after that performance!

James: Disappointed as this was a good chance to win a trophy. The wider issue is of course having a large squad to keep happy with only league games until the new year. On a positive note I feel this Chelsea team could end up having a decent season.

Patrick: Alonso won't play Estevao, why? He's going to be under pressure real soon if he doesn't improve.

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The last time Chelsea beat Liverpool, Estevao was the talk of the Premier League.

The Brazilian was still in his first couple of months at Stamford Bridge when his name hit the headlines after he scored the winner against the Premier League champions with practically the final kick of the match last October.

Fast forward 12 months, and Estevao is beginning to attract attention for all the wrong reasons as he struggles to force his way into Xabi Alonso's side.

The 19-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last summer, was conspicuous by his absence on Wednesday night as Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

Sadly for Estevao, Wednesday night's situation at Anfield was nothing new for him.

The Brazilian's total minutes for the campaign so far stand at an underwhelming 172, with 125 of those coming in the victories over Luton Town and Leeds United in the earlier rounds of the EFL Cup.

One of the main reasons behind Estevao's exile has been the form of Pedro Neto.

The 26-year-old was linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, but he ultimately remained at Stamford Bridge.

That decision appears to have been influenced by Alonso, who has underlined his faith in Neto by handing him seven starts in eight Premier League matches this season.

His success out on the right - which also happens to be Estevao's favoured position - has meant opportunities have been few and far between for the Brazilian.

He has primarily been deployed as a right-sided wing-back in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system, with his Premier League experience and greater defensive solidity compared to Estevao seemingly winning over the Spaniard.

After an impressive start to the campaign, in which he has scored four goals in 11 matches, Neto was rewarded with a new six-year deal.

Estevao will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of Neto and revive his Stamford Bridge career.

Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are among the clubs eyeing Como midfielder Nico Paz, although the Serie A side have no intention of selling the 22-year-old Argentina international. (Teamtalk), external

France forward Desire Doue, 21, is in contract talks with Paris St-Germain as the Ligue 1 side look to secure his long-term future in the face of interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City. (Teamtalk), external

Chelsea remain keen admirers of Everton's 24-year-old English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but face competition from United. (Football Insider), external

The Blues are weighing up a move for Spain and Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, with Paris St-Germain also interested in the 23-year-old. (CaughtOffside), external

Liverpool are in contact with Monaco and Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara, 22, who nearly joined Chelsea over the summer. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Aadam Patel
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

With Chelsea not in Europe and downbeat after their weekend loss to Tottenham, the Carabao Cup represented a genuine opportunity for Xabi Alonso to win a major trophy and that was reflected by his team selection.

His side didn't make the best of starts at Anfield but once they took the lead, he will be disappointed their advantage lasted only three minutes.

They still battled well and offered a threat, but the defeat will hurt, particularly because they blew a glorious opportunity to win the tie when Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha had his effort saved.

Alonso said his side showed improvement from the Spurs game and played with courage, and he was right, but ultimately this was another defeat.

Much has been documented about the friendship between Spaniards Alonso and Andoni Iraola and, while it is only three months into the new season, it's clear Iraola has had the better start. He will enter November, having tasted defeat just once in all competitions.

The mood around Anfield at full-time was jubilant and Liverpool fans have now seen their team win their last five in a row, with the last three at home.

It is Arsenal next on Sunday in the Premier League and a test of where the Reds are. A win against the defending champions would put Liverpool three points behind them in the table.

Both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot also reached the final of this competition in their first season in charge and, in the back of his mind, Iraola will have his sights set on emulating them.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about Estevao's struggle to force his way into Xabi Alonso's side: "I think it's one Alonso has to answer very soon because you can talk about injuries and suspensions to forward players, but in a game like today he is a difference maker.

"He's the last person you want to see come on that pitch if you are a Liverpool defender. Him getting on the ball, running at you, making things happen.

"There's something at the moment that is stopping him from getting the game time that we are all sitting here thinking he should be getting."

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso speaking to Sky Sports following the penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup: "Every time you reach the penalties, someone will feel it is harsh to go out of the competition. It was really close from both sides. Penalties mean it is open to anything.

"They have performed at a good enough level to compete at Anfield. We conceded the penalty and it was even. The game was really close for both sides.

"It has been a solid performance from Mike [Penders]. We didn't concede many chances but he was quite stable and solid with his performances. That was really important in the first half for us.

"This is football. It is part of our job. We were showing a good level and this is what it takes to come to these stadiums. The Premier League is the main focus.

"We don't have much time to recover because the game is Saturday early kick-off so we need to change the mindset quite quickly."

Morgan Rogers also spoke to ITV: "It is probably the worst way to lose a game.

"It was an even game and at times we had the better of it. I had half chances that I'd have liked to have put away.

"It was one of them that can go either way and you have to accept it."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Liverpool's performance

What did you make of Chelsea's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies.

There are five Carabao Cup fourth round games on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester City v Brighton (19:30)

• Bournemouth v Aston Villa

• Fulham v Crystal Palace

• Sunderland v Brentford

• Liverpool v Chelsea (20:00)

Kick-off times 19:45 GMT unless stated.

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