Chelsea vs Manchester United: Carrick, Fernandes and the team news

Chelsea and Manchester United meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 31 October, with a 12:30 kick-off [2]. The questions people are asking most are about the team: who is out, who could return, and what Michael Carrick might change.

Carrick's position before the game

Carrick is still in charge of United despite a run of eight games without a win [1]. Sky Sports reports that he has held talks with Bruno Fernandes this week and that Fernandes remains captain [1]. Sky also lists recent defeats to Atlético Madrid and Como in the Champions League, and a loss to Bournemouth, which it describes as a damaging result [1].

Team news

Sportsmole lists Manuel Ugarte, Benjamin Sesko, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu as definitely out [2]. Marcus Rashford missed training on Wednesday with a hip injury and is a major doubt [2].

There is better news in midfield and defence. Kobbie Mainoo is back in training after missing four matches with an unspecified injury, and he could play [2]. Lisandro Martínez has recovered from a thigh injury and came off the bench against Bournemouth [2].

The Fernandes question

Carrick left Fernandes out against Bournemouth [1]. Sportsmole reports that Fernandes is expected back in the starting line-up after those talks [2]. Sky describes him as one of United's most influential players, so his return would change how predictable the attack is [1].

What Sky suggests Carrick changes

Sky's preview argues against the high press and suggests United should be harder to play through [1]. It also argues for a settled side rather than moving players such as Dalot, Yoro and Mbeumo into new roles [1]. With Shaw out, it suggests Harry Amass at left-back, and it names Shea Lacey as another youngster who could be considered [1].

What the choices mean

If Fernandes starts, United keep their most experienced creator. If he does not, the attacking load falls on fewer senior players in a match away from home. If Rashford is out, the front line depends on the replacements named in the line-up. None of these points is a prediction, but each one is a decision the team sheet will show.

What to watch next

Three things will show more than the scoreline. The first is whether Fernandes starts. The second is whether United press high at Stamford Bridge or sit deeper. The third is Rashford's hip, which decides how much of the attack is available.

Both previews were written before the teams were named, so the official line-ups are the first thing to check once they are published. A result here will also show whether the eight-game run is mainly about form or about the system Carrick uses.