Chelsea‘s process of surging up the table faces yet another huge test as Mauricio Pochettino’s men travel up north to Old Trafford where the Blues face a soulless Manchester United, who strangely enough sit five points above Chelsea in the league.
Chelsea’s most recent league game was a 3-2 win at home to Brighton. An encounter which saw Conor Gallagher sent off and therefore unavailable for this match.
Manchester United having lost to Newcastle at the weekend and will be without a few key players, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez of note.
Should Chelsea collect all three points at Old Trafford, it will end a miserable record for the Blues at Old Trafford. A ground which hasn’t been fond of good memories over the years for Chelsea with their last win coming in 2013.
Here are three tasty battles that we think you should keep a close eye out for…
Embed from Getty ImagesEnzo Fernandez vs Kobbie Mainoo
It’s fair to say Enzo Fernandez was in the spotlight for his performance against Brighton. Winning player of the match, this time however, for his first two goals for Chelsea in the league as opposed to his renowned technical prowess that he has ever so consistently shown since arriving at the club.
The class and consistency of Fernandez will be hugely needed on Wednesday night. The Argentinian was unlucky to be on the losing side last season when Chelsea lost 4-1 at Old Trafford, having been our only standout player that night.
Similarities between Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandez may be drawn in the future, considering the skillset and similarities of the two players. Mainoo, also, possesses calmness and composure on the ball. The Englishman was thrown in the deep end away at Everton a couple weeks ago and looked a class apart from the rest with his on-the-ball abilities as well as his reading and anticipation in defensive scenarios.
Games are often won and lost in the midfield and this one may well prove to be no different. Pressure is most definitely on Erik Ten Hag to improve performances and results having massively performed under-expectations so far this season. You’d expect Man Utd to be up for it, certainly more than they were in their most recent defeat at Newcastle and their midfield will need to be extremely disciplined otherwise all reigns of control throughout the match will be in the hands of Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in a midfield battle which will surely end up in the Blues coming out on top. Surely…?
Reece James vs Marcus Rashford
Having served his suspension against Brighton, Reece James will be back to face Manchester United. The full-back wasn’t at his best against Newcastle but it is only a matter of time before the Englishman reminds everyone of his quality and there aren’t many better opportunities than away at a Manchester United side that’s lacking confidence and only look to be getting worse and worse as the season.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford was under mainstream criticism after his performance against Newcastle. Noticeably for his lack of work rate and hunger in tracking back which has been evident since the start of the season. Recently, Alejandro Garnacho has been starting from the left however Ten Hag may look to switch Rashford back to the left, considering that was the side where he was causing damage throughout last season.
Pochettino will surely look to get the most out of James’ attacking ability, considering the amount of space and time he will have in the final third. Whether it’s Cole Palmer or Raheem Sterling playing on the right, you’d expect to see either drifting in-field as natural movements of an inverted winger, opening up plenty of space for James who should cause havoc, should Rashford especially put in a defensive display as he did against Newcastle.
Benoit Badiashile vs Rasmus Hojlund
Back from injury and back to normality in performances from Benoit Badiashile. Display against Newcastle which came under some scrutiny but considering it was his first game back, moments of sloppiness was bound. Most recently against Brighton, the Frenchman has looked back to the form he showed under Graham Potter last season where he looked faultless and composed on-the-ball.
Defensively still yet to be majorly tested, although did well up against rising star in Evan Ferguson who barely had a sniff all game. However, Badiashile possesses almost every attribute you’d want in a left-footed centre-back and is surely one of the most successful signings Boehly and Clearlake have made so far. Threat from set pieces too which was on show against Brighton where he picked up an assist for Fernandez’s first goal. A partnership for the present and future alongside Axel Disasi?
It is expected Rasmus Hojlund will be back in the line-up for the midweek clash, having not started against Everton and Newcastle, much to the surprise of pundits, media and Manchester United fans. His aerial presence and movement off-the-ball will make for an interesting battle up against Badiashile. However you’d think Badiashile will come out on top considering the lack of service Hojlund has become accustomed to, since joining the club with Rashford and Antony out-of-form.
Three quite fascinating battles and an overall cagey encounter. Will Chelsea FINALLY take advantage of Man Utd’s poor form in aim of climbing up the table and piling more pressure on Ten Hag?
Written by Vikram Jajuha (@CFCVik)
Edited by Harrison Burridge (@hburridge2)
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