Chelsea vs Manchester United: 5 key player battles | Premier League 2020-21

#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.

9 - Since the start of February 2020, Bruno Fernandes has scored nine penalties in the Premier League - two more than any other player. Formality. pic.twitter.com/FF2pkA3iji

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 1, 2021

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.

... Wait for it 😁 pic.twitter.com/DiIAToANwi

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 27, 2021

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.

📈 @MarcusRashford has been involved in 6️⃣ goals in his last 7️⃣ appearances against Chelsea!Who's predicting him to be our first scorer or Man of the Match tomorrow? 👀#MUFC #CHEMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 27, 2021

The pacey and electric Rashford will look to make the right flank his own but could face a tough challenge against Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.