Chelsea vs Manchester United: 5 key player battles

Manchester United travel to Chelsea in a key Premier League game that could be crucial to both teams’ top-four hopes.

Chelsea still lack the finishing in the final third, but come off a fine win at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek. Manchester United, meanwhile, dismantled Real Sociedad with ease in the Europa League. The Red Devils have lost just once since January and will look to continue their rich vein of form.

With games coming thick and fast, Chelsea face Manchester United and Liverpool in the next few days as the battle for the top four intensifies. The Blues haven't beaten Manchester United in the Premier League since November 2017, while the reverse fixture at Old Trafford ended in a goalless draw.

Thiago Silva is the only injury absentee for Chelsea as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury. However, Manchester United are without a few key players, with Paul Pogba being the biggest name. Phil Jones and Juan Mata are also absent, but Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay are expected to be available.

On that note, let's take a look at five key player battles that could determine the outcome of the game.

#5 Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea) vs Fred (Manchester United)

Mateo Kovacic has been sensational under Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea's best player under their new boss Thomas Tuchel has been Mateo Kovacic, without a doubt. The Croatian's dribbling ability, positional awareness and ability on the ball has made him a key player under the new Chelsea tactician.

Kovacic has the highest dribbling success rate in the Premier League and is second only to PSG's Marco Verratti in the top five leagues. His quality in tight spaces also makes him an integral player in Tuchel's team.

Against Manchester United, Kovacic will likely be up against Fred in midfield. Unlike Kovacic, when the ball is at his feet, Fred favours simplicity, which can be his undoing at times.

Nevertheless, Fred is quick to close down opponents. His willingness to press and win the ball back could be key in his battle against Kovacic.

#4 Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea) vs Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Luke Shaw has been Manchester United's unsung hero in recent games.

Luke Shaw has been a key player for Manchester United this season. The English full-back has worked on his fitness and is blossoming with regular game-time.

The 25-year old has managed five assists in the league this season, providing an attacking outlet for Manchester United from the left flank. Shaw has been solid defensively as well, with Manchester United's decent defensive record testimony to that.

At Stamford Bridge, Luke Shaw will be against one of Chelsea's former academy product Calum Hudson-Odoi.

The 20-year old has been a key player for Chelsea, especially in recent games. Hudson-Odoi will be full of confidence after an epic display against La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The winger loves to get into one-on-one situations and will look to take on Luke Shaw and get the better of him.

#3 Edouard Mendy (Chelsea) vs Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno Fernandes has been in sizzling form for Manchester United.

Chelsea's goalkeeping woes were a huge talking point last season. However, things have changed with the arrival of Eduardo Mendy.

The Senegalese has ten clean sheets in 20 starts for the club. He has conceded 0.8 goals per game, which is only second to that of Manchester City's Ederson. Mendy is confident while handling crosses and has also done well with the ball at his feet.

One such impact player for Manchester United has been Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese boasts insane numbers since his arrival at Old Trafford last January.

With 15 goals and ten assists, Fernandes has the most goal-involvements in the league this season; the Manchester United star also ranks at the top when it comes to big chances created.

The 26-year old is always a threat ,and Mendy will have his hands full trying to stop the Manchester United talisman.

#2 Olivier Giroud (Chelsea) vs Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

Chelsea's Olivier Giroud scored a stunner at Atletico Madrid.

Olivier Giroud lit up Bucharest with his stunning overhead kick that gave Chelsea a crucial 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The 34-year old has been sharing his #9 duties with academy star Tammy Abraham, with Giroud giving Chelsea a different dimension in attack.

The Frenchman's classy first touch and ability to find his teammates with his back to goal is an effective way for Chelsea to start attacks. Thomas Tuchel was more than impressed with his striker and praised the Frenchman for his fitness and determination.

However, Giroud might have his work cut out against Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.

Maguire is an old-school defender who gets the work done at the back. The Englishman has been a consistent performer for Manchester United. Not only does he frustrate aggressive strikers, his clearances and long balls to the likes of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial up front also helps start counter-attacks.

#1 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) vs Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Marcus Rashford is a big-game player for Manchester United.

Cesar Azpilicueta has been one of the most consistent players in the last few seasons in the Premier League.

The Spaniard has played in different positions under different Chelsea managers but has always given his best for the team. Under Tuchel, Azpilicueta has excelled in Chelsea's back three. He might be an old-fashioned defender, but he is a fan-favourite and offers solutions to any defensive problem.

Against Manchester United, Azpilicueta will come up against Marcus Rashford. Rashford loves to play against the 'big six' and has a great record against them. Whenever the team needs a big performance in a big game, Rashford is the man to step up.

The Englishman has five goals and three assists against Chelsea in 12 games and has fond memories of playing at Stamford Bridge.