Xabi Alonso faces Chelsea selection dilemmas amid injury problems ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Unlike Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, Alonso’s position at Chelsea is far from being on the line in this match. However, the Spaniard must still feel the pressure after back-to-back defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

While Chelsea still sit fifth in the Premier League table, they are only two points ahead of ninth-place Aston Villa. Another poor result could easily put them out of their Champions League-spot target.

Given Manchester United’s eight-game winless run, there are also higher expectations for Chelsea to pick up three points. Therefore, Alonso is likely to go all out with his team selection.

Mike Penders is obviously going to keep his spot in goal, with Emiliano Martinez still sidelined with a jaw injury. Alonso revealed that the latter could return next week, but even if that is not the case, Chelsea have a lot of confidence in Penders’ ability.

Defence is likely where Alonso will have to make difficult decisions. A back three with just three senior centre-backs available, amid Maxence Lacroix, Jorrel Hato, and Aaron Anselmino’s injuries, would be quite risky.

A back four, therefore, seems more likely. Levi Colwill will play alongside either Wesley Fofana or Josh Acheampong as a centre-back pair. Alonso’s praise for Fofana in Friday’s press conference might have hinted at his plan to start Fofana.

For the two full-back posts, Acheampong and Pep Chavarria are the most likely options on the right and the left, respectively. However, if Chavarria, who missed the last three games due to injury, is not 100 per cent ready to start, Malo Gusto and Marco Palestra can both play on the left.

Alonso opted to pair Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in midfield against Liverpool, allowing Jordan Henderson to play higher as a number 10. However, Cole Palmer’s return after serving his suspension will likely lead to Henderson’s return to central midfield alongside Caicedo.

Pedro Neto is expected to start on the right flank, playing a hybrid role if needed, while Morgan Rogers should start on the left. 

This leaves one more spot available up front. Since Joao Pedro is still out, Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha will compete for the number nine role, with the latter likely ahead in the pecking order for now.

Penders, Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Chavarria, Caicedo, Henderson, Neto, Palmer, Rogers, Welbeck