Premier League 2019-20: 3 things to look out for as Chelsea face Manchester United

Chelsea starts off their important series of games with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. United has managed to beat Chelsea twice this season, with the first one being a 4-0 thrashing at Old Trafford. While United had a busy winter looking for signings, Chelsea failed to secure a single signature. However, Chelsea has announced that they have reached an agreement with Ajax regarding the transfer of Hakim Ziyech and he will be arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Now, Chelsea's Champions League hopes are hanging on by a thread as they have dropped points constantly and are on the edge of sliding out of the top 4. On the other hand, United are six points behind Chelsea in the 9th position and will be determined to at least finish in the Europa League spots.

As both sides lock horns at Stamford Bridge, it will be a battle of tactical acumen, grit, and determination as both sides look to secure European football for the upcoming season, here's 3 things to look out for.

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#3 Odion Ighalo's big chance

Solskjær is confident that Ighalo can make an immediate impact

Ever since Marcus Rashford's injury, United's challenge for the top four has stuttered. Ole Gunnar Solksjær decided to take a different route this transfer market as he brought Odion Ighalo to Old Trafford on loan from the Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua. Ighalo is known for his rather inconsistent spell at Watford. The Nigerian scored 14 goals in 19 starts for the Hornets in 2015. However, he only scored twice in the next 36 games.

Solksjær has stated that Ighalo will feature against Chelsea. With Chelsea's defense and keeper struggling, this can be the perfect opportunity for the Nigerian to start in style.

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Note: All statistics as of February 15, 2020

#2 Chelsea's starting goalkeeper

Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped from the starting lineup against Leicester City

One of the biggest narratives at Stamford Bridge in the past couple of weeks has been the confusion around the goalkeeper's position. Kepa Arrizabalaga has been nothing short of disappointing this season as he has failed to convince Frank Lampard leading to the Spaniard being dropped from the starting line-up. Lampard decided to field Willy Caballero against Leicester City in a clear statement to the whole club. To put this into context, one must realise that Lampard has done this in the past as he dropped Jorginho, Chelsea's vice-captain, at one point due to poor performances.

It will be interesting to see who Lampard decides to start in front of the net as he was praising Caballero after the game against the Foxes. Now that his position is in jeopardy, it will be important that the 'world's most expensive keeper' sorts his things out to finally be the keeper the Blues paid for.

After conceding four goals in the first game against United, this match at Stamford Bridge can also prove to be a redemption for the Spaniard as he looks to restore the faith that the Blues showed by offering him a 7-year contract if he starts.

#1 Bruno Fernandes against a top-4 side

The Portuguese sensation

It would be an understatement to say that Bruno Fernandes was one of the best midfielders in Europe last season. With outrageous stats of 32 goals and 18 assists, Fernandes was the powerhouse behind the relatively average Sporting Lisbon side. Throughout the summer, he was one of the hottest properties and looked destined for a big move. However, he turned down several offers and decided to stay in Lisbon.

This season, in 28 games for Sporting, Fernandes managed to be involved in a total of 29 goals as he scored 15 and created 14. United manager has been known to a fan of the Portuguese for a while now as he flew to Lisbon in January to watch Fernandes play. Despite Lisbon's loss, Fernandes did enough to convince Solskjær to make him his premier signing this winter. Upon his arrival, he was put straight into the starting line-up against Wolves. Even though the match ended in a draw, he won the man of the match award.

With both sides struggling to an extent, Fernandes can prove to be the difference between the two sides as United look to challenge for a top four spot.

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