Premier League news: Chelsea vs Manchester Utd – Five key battles and score prediction
Champions League–chasing Chelsea welcome struggling Manchester United to Stamford Bridge this week for a crunch Premier League clash.
The West London side are looking to get back on track following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Newcastle United, while Ruben Amorim will be desperate to improve the Red Devils’ appalling league form in order to gain some momentum ahead of a season-defining Europa League final date with Tottenham.
Sports News Blitz writer Tom Nichols takes a look at five key battles which could prove decisive in Friday night’s game and offers a score prediction.
Amad Diallo vs Marc Cucurella
Although he has mainly played out of position as a wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, Amad Diallo has provided a constant threat on the right-hand side.
The Ivorian has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions, despite suffering an ankle injury in February which kept him out for three months.
Since his return from injury, he has played four games, recording one goal and one assist.
Marc Cucurella, on the other hand, has enjoyed a good season for the Blues, making 45 appearances and recording an average rating of 7.05.
The Spaniard has made an impressive 1.8 tackles per game alongside 3.6 recoveries.
Cucurella is in for a tough challenge against Amad, though, with the latter looking to force his way back into the starting XI for United’s upcoming final.
Mason Mount vs Moisés Caicedo
Mason Mount has also missed large parts of the season due to injury, but the midfielder has managed to hit a hugely impressive run of form lately.
In his last three games, Mount has scored three goals, including two in the 4-1 win over Athletic Club.
Mount will be hoping his return to Stamford Bridge is a successful one as his side looks to build some momentum ahead of next week’s continental clash with Tottenham.
Moisés Caicedo, meanwhile, has been filling in at right-back for Chelsea recently as Reece James continues to slowly return to full fitness.
The Ecuadorian international has played in all 36 Premier League games this season, attaining an average rating of 7.24.
Caicedo’s defensive numbers have been particularly impressive, averaging three tackles, an outstanding 5.9 recoveries, and 1.4 clearances per game.
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Pedro Neto vs Patrick Dorgu
Since his £50 million summer move from Wolves, Pedro Neto has been a mainstay in Enzo Maresca’s side.
He has made 42 appearances in all competitions, recording an average rating of 7.05.
The winger has 13 goal contributions, helping his side to a potential top four finish and a European final in the process.
The Portuguese international will be looking to get the better of United left-back Patrick Dorgu on Friday and put to bed the demons of that comprehensive loss to Newcastle.
Dorgu, for his part, arrived in Manchester from Lecce for a £25 million fee in February, a sum which could eventually rise to £29 million.
The Dane was signed to be the left wing-back in Amorim’s system, replacing the injury-prone Luke Shaw.
Since his arrival, Dorgu has made 17 appearances for his new side.
He is in for a tough night at Stamford Bridge and the full-back will need to be at the top of his game to keep a tricky winger like Neto quiet.
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Noni Madueke vs Noussair Mazraoui
Primarily a right winger, Noni Madueke has been playing on the left wing in recent games, opposite Neto on the right.
With 15 goal contributions this season, Madueke has been a vital part of a Chelsea team that has reached the UEFA Conference League final.
Boasting an impressive ability to beat a man and put in a teasing cross or a curling shot, Madueke will be a constant threat to United’s backline.
His opponent on Friday, Noussair Mazraoui, has made 35 appearances in all competitions this term, playing in a number of different positions.
Mazraoui’s versatility has been important to the Red Devils this season as the Moroccan has played as both a centre-back in a back-three and a wing-back in a midfield-four.
Due to the absence of Diogo Dalot, Mazraoui will likely fill in on the left against Chelsea, facing up against Madueke in what should be an exciting battle.
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Enzo Maresca vs Ruben Amorim
In his first season at Chelsea, Maresca has managed to steady the ship, find the club’s best starting XI, and challenge in all competitions.
The Italian now has Chelsea in a good position to finish in a top four spot, with the Blues sitting in the final Champions League spot – on goal difference – with two games to go.
Amorim, by contrast, has had a tough start to life in England.
His United side sit in 16th position, on track to record the club’s lowest-ever Premier League finish.
However, despite their failings in the league, the Red Devils have made it to a European final, their second in the last four years.
Barring that result against Newcastle, Chelsea have been in good form of late, including managing a 3-1 win over newly crowned champions Liverpool.
Maresca’s side will therefore likely have too much quality for United on Friday, condemning Amorim’s much-maligned side to yet another defeat.
Score prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United
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