Chelsea will look to continue their unbeaten run under Graham Potter as they welcome Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.
Potter will look to put an end to what as been a stale contest between the two sides as Chelsea aim to beat United for the first time in the Premier League since 2017 when Alvaro Morata headed home for a 1-0 win.
Here are three Blues players we think you should keep an eye out for…
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s displays of quality and composure in goal
It has been quite some turnaround for Arrizabalaga who looked set to leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window but now finds himself as first-choice goalkeeper under the new regime with Potter at the club. The Spaniard has had a mixed experience at Chelsea with highs and lows since his arrival at the club in 2018.
Edouard Mendy’s decline in form over the last 12 months saw some Chelsea fans calling for Arrizabalaga to be given another chance and he has certainly taken the opportunities handed to him with MOTM worthy displays against Aston Villa and Brentford.
This will certainly be another big test for Arrizabalaga at home to Manchester Utd where his shot stopping and distribution abilities will be tested.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s experience, quality and composure in front of goal
Having not been given a start midweek against Brentford, the Gabonese striker will be expected to be one of the first names on the team sheet against Manchester United. Aubameyang has started life well under Potter with three goals and one assist in five matches.
His finishing prowess and movement off the ball will be much needed in a match where Chelsea may not create so many chances against a solid Manchester United defence that have shown signs of solidity at the back since their 6-3 drubbing away at the Etihad.
It will come as a surprise if Armando Broja starts ahead of Aubameyang. Despite only scoring one goal this season so far, Broja’s raw ability in such a high-profile contest may be a show of Potter’s faith in the Albanian but a risk that may not pay off in a match where Chelsea can’t afford to waste chances.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s physical presence which will be huge for midfield battle against Manchester United
Whether he starts at wing-back or in the midfield pivot, Loftus-Cheek is a name that many Chelsea fans will be hoping to see on the team sheet. Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are excellent midfielders by their own right but the midfield being overrun far too easily is a constant theme that Chelsea fans have had to endure.
With N’golo Kante out injured, the pressure and responsibility will be on Jorginho and Kovacic – the duo most likely to start against a Manchester United midfield that now possesses more technical and defensive security with the addition of Casemiro.
The midfield battle will be huge. Loftus-Cheek’s physical and ball-carrying ability whether Potter chooses to deploy him in the pivot or at right wing-back inverting into midfield to help the double pivot may well be the difference maker.
This is arguably a must-win for Chelsea’s battle for the top four this season. The Blues remain unbeaten but a convincing win at home against Ten Hag’s side will certainly increase the likelihood of Chelsea finishing in the top four after what has been a tricky start to the season.
Chelsea vs Manchester Utd kick off on Saturday at 17:30pm (UK time).
Written by Vik (@CFCVik)
Edited by Harrison Burridge (@hburridge2)
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