According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea will host Man United in the Premier League, with Xabi Alonso making a surprise decision to start Estêvão and bring him in from the cold.
The Brazilian's lack of impact for Chelsea this season has become an increasingly prominent topic recently. He was a regular starter last season but has been marginalized since Xabi Alonso took over.
Before this weekend, he had started only twice, both times in the League Cup. In Wednesday night's loss to Liverpool, Alonso again left him on the bench.
With the score still 1-1 late in the game, Alonso chose not to bring on Estêvão and instead gave Emanuel Emegha his Chelsea debut. Emegha then missed a penalty in the shootout, which led to the Blues' elimination.
Days earlier, after João Pedro's injury, Estêvão was overlooked again, with rookie Geovany Quenda preferred as a substitute.
But with a struggling Man United heading to West London looking to end an eight-game winless run, Estêvão finally gets a chance to impress.
Against an out-of-form, low-confidence Man United defense, his direct dribbling and nimble footwork are expected to unsettle the opposition and help the Blues secure a much-needed victory.
Alonso is expected to explain his lineup choice before the match.
On Friday, Alonso reiterated that, despite Estêvão's limited playing time this season, the player still has an important role in the team. He also ruled out a January loan move, following reports that Estêvão might seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Alonso said in his pre-match press conference: "We haven't discussed this. It's no secret that all players want to play."
"If any of them don't get enough playing time because of my decisions, I have to take responsibility for that. But everyone has to be ready, because they could be important in any game. Estêvão's training and attitude have always been good."