Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime.

Xabi Alonso's side have endured a difficult week, following their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur before exiting the Carabao Cup on penalties against Liverpool. The Blues will now be keen to respond in front of their own supporters, particularly with three important league points available.

However, Manchester United arrive in west London in an even more worrying position. Michael Carrick's side have failed to win any of their last eight matches in all competitions, with Sunday's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth piling further pressure on the head coach.

United currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, and their difficult start has raised fresh questions about the direction of the club. Carrick has been given another opportunity to turn things around, but Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge represents a significant test.

Plenty of uncertainty also surrounds the visitors, with Bruno Fernandes' omission from the starting XI against Bournemouth drawing considerable attention. Benjamin Sesko is another notable absentee, while Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training ahead of the weekend.

Despite their struggles, United still possess considerable attacking quality and will be desperate to produce a response against Chelsea. With both sides looking to put disappointing results behind them, Saturday's meeting could prove an important fixture for each club.

Absolute Chelsea spoke to ManchesterUnited Roundtable to get the opposition perspective ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting.

"It’s been a really difficult start to the season. The results are bad enough, but it’s the manner of them that has worried people. Losing 4-1 at Como in the Champions League was a real low, and the performance against Bournemouth didn’t give us much encouragement either.

"Michael Carrick has kept his job for now, but it’s an uncomfortable situation. He’s well liked by supporters and nobody wants to see him fail, yet the pressure builds with every game that passes without a win.

"The Bruno Fernandes situation hasn’t helped. He criticised the tactics after Como and was left out against Bournemouth, so there’s been plenty of noise around the club. They’ve cleared the air and he’s expected to be back, and we need him because we’re far less of a threat without him.

"Benjamin Sesko being out until January is a big blow. Bryan Mbeumo has been leading the line with Matheus Cunha seemingly out of favour. Mbeumo works hard and links play well, but he’s at his best running at defenders from wide.

"Defence is the biggest headache. We’re conceding too easily, and a lack of control in midfield leaves the back four exposed. That’s a real concern against a Chelsea side with goals all over the pitch, especially with Cole Palmer available again.

"Amad is the one I’d keep an eye on. He blows hot and cold, but on his day he can win a game by himself, and United will need someone to produce something special.

"Carrick has been here before. He took a point at Stamford Bridge as caretaker in 2021, so he knows the place, and sometimes it’s when things look bleakest that United do something unexpected. There have been plenty of draws between the clubs over the years and I think we’ll see another one. I can’t see either defence keeping a clean sheet, so I’m going for 2-2."