Chelsea host Manchester United in a top-four battle as the English Premier League resumes this weekend, we take a look at five factors that could influence the encounter.
As the English Premier League season reaches its climax with Manchester City leading both Manchester United and Chelsea with ten and sixteen points respectively. Every other team in the top six can only have one objective to play for - finish above each other in a keenly contested race for the Champions Leagues.
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For the two coaches, Thomas Tuchel and Ole Gunnar Solskjear, it will be their first meeting in The Premier League this season, after the former replaced Frank Lampard in The Blues dugout a few weeks ago.
The Blues could be without Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, and Thiago Silva this weekend, but would be hoping some of these players pass a late fitness test. London Chelsea, who are still basking in the euphoria of their 1-0 victory over Athletico Madrid on Tuesday, will be gearing to go for another breaker against a more familiar foe.
And for the Red Devils, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek, Phil Jones, and Scot McTominay could all missed the trip to London. Despite their injury list, Solskjear led team will enter Sunday's contest on a back of a comfortable goalless draw with Spanish club Real Sociedad in the last-32 of the Europa League clash on Thursday.
Fans from both sides will be expecting nothing but a fantastic game on Sunday. But, while Chelsea is looking more organized with their new manager, Manchester United on the other hand is enjoying an excellent away run that has seen them unbeaten on their travels in the league this term.
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Here, we analyzed all the five key battles as both teams clash this weekend.
Oliver Giroud vs Harry Maguire
The Frenchman is indeed one of the most important players for Chelsea heading into this fixture. The former Arsenal forward was impressive for The Blues in their Champions League game on Tuesday - with the striker scoring an acrobatics goal against Athletico Madrid in Romania. He will be up against Harry Maguire, The Red Devils captain, who will be marshaling the heart of Manchester United's defense.
On his part, the 27-year-old Englishman has been an ever-present for his team this season. Maguire is going to be tasked with neutralizing any threat posed by the Chelsea target man.
Matteo Kovacic vs Bruno Fernandes
A lot of responsibility hangs on the shoulders of both Matteo Kovacic and Bruno Fernandes as both players have shown brilliantly for their respective teams. The battle in the middle of the park would be between the Croatian and Portuguese Internationals, both of who are enjoying an excellent season.
For Chelsea, Kovacic operated in a deeper midfield role and will be likely to be selected alongside Jorginho in The Blues engine room. Strong, skillful, and intelligent, Kovacic could prove to be an asset with his usual driving force.
Bruno Fernandes on the other hand has been second to none with his overall statistics in the league this season, for United, getting Bruno Fernandes onto the ball will be crucial to link midfield and attack.
Anthony Rudiger vs Marcus Rashford
Anthony Rudiger will be charged with stopping the rampaging Manchester United attack. The enterprising German will be directly up against one of Manchester United's best attackers - in Marcus Rashford, with England forward enjoying another brilliant Premier League season.
The energetic winger cum forward has played some vital role for Manchester United course for a top-four finish this term.
Rashford, who has scored against Chelsea in the past will be looking forward to dominating the flank with his trademark speed and would like to ensure he doesn't give Rudiger and other Chelsea's defenders any breathing space on Sunday.
Callum Hodson-Odoi vs Luke Shaw
Maybe the most improved player under the new managerial style of Thoma Tuchel at Stamford Bridge. Hodson-Odoi's game has been transformed within a short period from soft wing play to a more energetic display.
His ability to get past his markers has been documented, but Luke Shaw's ability to give wingers a run for their money is well known.
Hodson-Odoi will surely want to press the United defense high-up the pitch and put in some devastating crosses into the dangerous zones.
However, Shaw will have to stick to his man to prevent any crosses from being put across, especially, from a deep position.
Thomas Tuchel vs Ole Gunnar Solskjear
The final battleground could be between the two tacticians. It's quite obvious that the new Chelsea manager would deploy an aggressive approach to press Manchester United in the middle of the park.
Likewise, Ole Gunnar Solskjear would be looking to prepare a counter plan that would be highly effective on Sunday. The Norwegian manager will be relying on his pacy wingers, couple with his magnificent midfield maestro, Bruno Fernandes.
VAR factor
Like in some games in The English Premier League this season, the usage of the video assistant referee might have a big call on Sunday.
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Who do you think could be the winner on Sunday? Let have your thought on the comments section.
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