FA Cup 2016/17: Chelsea vs Manchester United, 5 Key battles

Modified Mar 13, 2017 11:39 GMT

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho exchange words at the end of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — *Jose Mourinho (left) will be looking to avenge the 4-0 defeat earlier this season against Antonio Conte’s (right) side*

#3 Eden Hazard vs Antonio Valencia

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Eden Hazard of Chelsea is closed down by Antonio Valencia of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — *Eden Hazard (right) vs Antonio Valencia (left) will be a key battle over the entire match*

Antonio Valencia has established himself as Jose Mourinho’s first-choice right-back and his marauding runs up and down the pitch are a constant sight in Manchester United's games. A very reliable winger-turned-defender, Valencia’s runs will test Chelsea for Eden Hazard, who will be up against him, is not known for his defensive work-rate.

As a result, Chelsea’s left wing-back Marcos Alonso could be put under pressure if Henrikh Mkhitaryan plays on the same wing as well.

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On the other side, Valencia will have one of his sterner tests as an in-form Eden Hazard will exploit every space left behind by the Ecuadorian and given the Belgian’s pace, dribbling and goalscoring ability, Valencia will have his task cut out.

Hazard’s recent goal against West Ham and the amazing solo goal against Arsenal in February show the damage he can do and this battle between Valencia and Hazard will be an engaging tussle throughout the match.

Edited by Staff Editor