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Chelsea will welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League fixture on Sunday. They will look to consolidate their position at the top of the table, while the visitors will seek a return to winning ways.
The game holds special significance for the visiting side, as this will be their first game in the Premier League under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. In his first game in charge, The Red Devils recorded a 2-0 win at Villarreal in the Champions League to qualify for the Round of 16.
Chelsea have enjoyed a great start to their 2021-22 campaign. They are atop the league table after 12 games, having conceded just four goals and scoring 30. Manchester United, meanwhile, have the worst defensive record (21 goals conceded) in the top half of the league table. They also have a negative goal difference (-1).
However, United hold the upper hand in this fixture, having won 81 times against the Blues. More recently, they are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against Chelsea, winning three and drawing four. In fact, United are unbeaten in their last 11 away Premier League games in London, winning their last three.
Chelsea's last win against United in the Premier League was in the 2017-18 campaign at home. They'll hope that home advantage would count for them once again on Sunday.
Both teams have match-winning players in their ranks, which should make for an enticing clash. As the two modern-day Premier League rivals square off on Sunday, here's a look at the five players to watch out for.
#5 Antonio Rudiger | Chelsea
Chelsea have been defensively solid this season, keeping clean sheets in four of their last five games. One of the players who has been key to their defending resurgence is Antonio Rudiger.
The defender's contract runs out in the summer, and the club has not been able to tie him down with a new improved deal yet. Nonetheless, that has not impacted his performances on the pitch.
He has scored twice in the league this season. With Harry Maguire suspended for the game, Rudiger's aerial prowess could see him on the scoresheet in this game. He scored in the win over Leicester City last weekend.
#4 Reece James | Chelsea
Chelsea have scored an impressive 30 goals in the Premier League this term, with only Liverpool scoring more (39).
The unlikely top scorer for them this season across all competitions is right-back Reece James. He has scored five times, and has also provided the same number of assists.
The full-back has impressed with his decisive runs on the flanks. Moreover, his newfound confidence in front of goal means United will have to be wary of him at both ends.
His battle against Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw should make for an interesting watch.
#3 Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United
Manchester United have not been at their best this term. Although Bruno Fernandes struggled in his recent outing against Watford, he has had more goal involvement than any other player for the club.
He was dropped to the bench by Carrick in the Champions League game against Villarreal. Nevertheless, he picked up the assist for Jadon Sancho in the 90th minute during a 25-minute cameo. During that period, he also had two key passes, more than any other player in the game.
Fernandes could again start from the bench at Chelsea. But his creativity in the final third and distribution could come in handy against the defensively solid league leaders.
#2 Christian Pulisic | Chelsea
Christian Pulisic was out of action for over two months before returning for a five-minute cameo against Burnley. He marked his return with a goal against Leicester City last week. He could be a great player in the final third, with striker Romelu Lukaku still out with an ankle injury.
The Chelsea player's pace and trickery in front of goal make him a threat. With Maguire suspended and Raphael Varane out because of injury, Pulisic could exploit a weakened United defence.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo has come to Manchester United's rescue time and again this season. Most recently, he was on the scoresheet in the Champions League game at Villarreal. That made him the only player to score in the first five group-stage games in the Champions League for a Premier League team.
However, he lacked ruthlessness in front of goal in the 4-1 defeat at Watford. He did bag an assist for United's only goal of the game, scored by Donny van de Beek. But that was too little too late.
Despite being 36, he is Manchester United's best player, having scored ten times across competitions this season. It is the determination to remain on top that makes him a dangerous opponent to go up against. However, he needs to overcome his recent barren run in the Premier League - one goal in his last seven games.
He won't have things easy against Chelsea, who have the best defensive record in the league this season. Moreover, Ronaldo has not scored a league goal against Chelsea in ten games. However, considering his big-game pedigree, he'll look to end his barren run in the league against the Premier League leaders.
