Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge on Monday night to take on Chelsea for the third time this season. Here are a few things to look out for during the game.
While the jury is still out on whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right man for Man Utd, Frank Lampard can’t seem to get the better of him this season. The Norwegian has taken an impressive 11 out of 18 points from the “big six”, including three points against Chelsea already this term.
Say what you want about Ole, but give credit where it’s due.
Bruno Fernandes unleashed against a shaky defence
Fernandes was man of the match in his first outing against Wolves. He did not have many opportunities to score goals, but he had some chances from distance and showed an appetite for goalscoring.
Wolves are well organised and can be difficult to break down. Fernandes is likely to find it easier against Chelsea, who will need to be at their best to stop the Portugal international.
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Chelsea lack organisation at the back and it could cost them Monday night if Fernandes is unleashed.
Which team is serious about the top four?
With so many teams in the running of a top four finish now, you have to ask whether these United players really want to be back in the Champions League? We’ve dropped a ridiculous amount of points this season and I don’t think we have the consistency required to achieve it at this point.
Chelsea aren’t much better but a win for the Red Devils could make this a very open race.
Chelsea goalkeeper situation
Kepa Arrizabalaga has underperformed this season and runs the risk of being dropped for ex-Man City goalkeeper Willy Cabaellero. Lampard made this call for the match against Leicester and probably goes into this game not fully sure who to start between the sticks.
You can’t judge Caballero on one Premier League game, but it would be crazy to drop your no.1 for this game, surely?
Can Martial lead the line?
The answer to this has been ‘no’ so far this season. Martial needs to start fighting for the ball inside the box, run on the end of crosses and trick defenders with unpredictable movements.
He looks a shadow of himself with the responsibility to score goals and that will only lead to United replacing him in the transfer market.
The Frenchman has until now and the end of the season to prove himself. A goal or two against Chelsea would be a nice start.
Odion Ighalo debut?
Since the striker has been asked to train away from Carrington, instead in quarantine over coronavirus fears, we don’t know if he will be available on Monday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will assess the situation once he and the squad return from a winter break in Marbella.
It would be great to see him score on his debut! A dream come true for the lad.
