Chelsea: Xabi Alonso makes surprise Estevao squad decision for Manchester United clash

Xabi Alonso has brought Estevao in from the cold, handing him a surprise start as Chelsea host Manchester United in the Premier League this afternoon. The Brazilian’s lack of influence in the Chelsea squad this campaign has become an increasingly prominent talking point of late. He was a regular feature throughout last season but has been peripheral since Xabi Alonso’s appointment. He had made just two starts before this weekend, with both coming in the Carabao Cup, but eyebrows were raised when Alonso left him on the bench for the defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday night.