EPL: Bruno Fernandes Returns as Chelsea and Man Utd Confirm Lineups

By Trending9ja Staff • October 31, 2026 • 1 min read

Bruno Fernandes has been restored as Manchester United captain for their fixture against Chelsea, according to Daily Post. The midfielder returned to the starting lineup after sitting out last weekend's defeat at home against Bournemouth.

The decision forms part of three squad changes introduced by manager Michael Carrick. In addition to Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and Matheus Cunha were also named in the starting team.

Daily Post reported that midfielder Kobbie Mainoo made his return to the matchday squad as a substitute, following a four-game absence caused by injury. Other notable names on the bench for the Red Devils include Mason Mount, Youri Tielemans, and Ayden Heaven.

For Chelsea, head coach Xabi Alonso made four adjustments to the team that featured in Wednesday's defeat against Liverpool in the EFL Cup. Brazilian winger Estevao was selected to make his initial Premier League start of the current campaign.

The winger was selected alongside defenders Marco Palestra and Levi Colwill, while Cole Palmer was restored to the side following the completion of his suspension. Meanwhile, Malo Gusto and Danny Welbeck were moved to the substitutes' bench, Maxence Lacroix was excluded due to a hamstring problem, and Jordan Henderson was left out of the squad.

As reported by Daily Post, Chelsea line up with Penders in goal, protected by defenders Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, and Palestra, with Caicedo and Lavia in midfield behind Estevao, Palmer, Neto, and Rogers up front. Manchester United feature Lammens in goal, behind a back line of Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, and Dalot, with Santos, Baleba, Amad, Fernandes, Cunha, and Mbeumo completing the team.

Sources: Daily Post