Manchester United will face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday, hoping to keep their fading top-four aspirations alive.
Three of Manchester United's previous four Premier League games have ended in defeat. They're in a state of confusion and don't appear to be working together. As a result, a match against Chelsea at this stage of the season couldn't have come at a worse time.
Morale in the Manchester United dressing room will be low after recent defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal. Meanwhile, Chelsea overcame 10-man West Ham on Sunday thanks to a 90th-minute goal from Christian Pulisic (24 April).
The Blues, who are presently third in the table, can close the distance on fourth-placed Arsenal to eight points. When Chelsea and Manchester United meet on Thursday, we'll witness numerous top superstars go head-to-head, as is customary in high-profile matchups.
Without further ado, here are five critical skirmishes that could determine the outcome of Manchester United's game against Chelsea on Thursday night.
5. Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
Chelsea will start Marcos Alonso as left wing-back. This season, Alonso has performed admirably for the Blues, notably in the Premier League. In 23 league games so far this season, he has two goals and four assists to his credit.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be a nervous opponent for Alonso. The Manchester United right-back has struggled offensively, but he can still put in a defensive performance.
For the Blues, Alonso will be responsible for creating width down the left flank. Timo Werner will seek to exploit the gap left behind by Wan-Bissaka if the Spaniard can keep him engaged. As a result, the Manchester United defense will have to be on high alert throughout the game.
4. Mason Mount (Chelsea) vs Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)
In recent weeks, Chelsea's Mason Mount has been in excellent form. Mount has scored five goals and contributed six assists in his past nine games for Thomas Tuchel's team in all competitions. This season, he has been Chelsea's finest player.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's Nemanja Matic is anticipated to start at the back of the midfield. The Serb's movements are clumsy, and he is prone to making mistakes these days. Mount will be aware of Matic's mobility limitations and will seek to exploit them.
Manchester United could benefit from Matic's line-breaking passes against Chelsea. In the middle of the park, however, he will struggle unless Fred backs him up in defensive transitions.
3. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United) vs Reece James (Chelsea)
Reece James was forced to sit out the game against West Ham United due to a hamstring injury. He is expected to make his comeback against Manchester United. Down the left wing, James will be entrusted with keeping Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho quiet.
Since the turn of the year, Sancho has been one of Manchester United's most inventive players. He's been able to create opportunities for his team, and while there's still a lot of room for growth, he's showed a lot of promise.
Sancho will have his job cut out for him on Thursday, as he will face one of Europe's greatest right-backs.
2. Kai Havertz (Chelsea) vs Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
Thomas Tuchel has frequently utilized Kai Havertz as a center-forward in recent years. Despite not impressing against West Ham at the weekend, Havertz is expected to preserve his spot in the starting XI since Lukaku has been a complete failure in front of goal.
Havertz will be pitted against Raphael Varane of Manchester United. This season, the French World Cup winner has been far from his best, and his performance against Arsenal last Saturday was abysmal. Of course, he hasn't got the finest of support, but Varane will have to step up his game.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) vs Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Cristiano Ronaldo has recently been in excellent form for Manchester United. In his last two Premier League outings, he has scored four goals and is one of the few players who appears to be entirely committed to the cause.
In his most recent appearances, Ronaldo has looked smart and focused, but we can't say the same for his supporting cast. On Thursday night, the Portuguese attacker will face the seasoned Thiago Silva.
In the air, the Brazilian centre-back can compete with Ronaldo, and it may come down to who shows more drive in crucial situations.
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