3 Things to watch as Manchester United play Chelsea in the Premier League

Manchester United face Chelsea in one of the standout matches this upcoming Premier League weekend. 

Both sides will be looking to improve on stuttering starts to their league season, with the hosts sitting 15th (having played a game less) and the visitors in eighth.

The Red Devils will be heading into this match in confident mood after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 on Tuesday night in France.

However, despite only drawing 0-0 with Sevilla, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will also be boosted by the fact that his side kept a just a third clean sheet in eight matches in all competitions.

Back to domestic matters – the fact these sides’ nine Premier League matches this term have delivered 43 goals hopefully means a thriller could be on show at Old Trafford.

Other than a potential goal-fest, what else should supporters watch out for in this evening kick-off?

Here’s three things to keep an eye on as Manchester United play Chelsea in this classic Premier League fixture…

1. Cavani Debut

The signing of Uruguayan superstar Edinson Cavani has split opinion – and that’s even before he’s kicked a ball for United. After working hard to get match fit, the 33-year-old is available and looks set to be given his debut against Chelsea. A man with 353 career goals shouldn’t really be questioned but, at the age he is, will he be able to succeed in the Premier League? If the former PSG striker does, then the Red Devils will really have some weapon in their armoury.

2. Chelsea’s attack 

Having spent over £200million this summer, Frank Lampard has an array of top-class talent to choose from in attack. So far he’s put much of his faith in Timo Werner, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and the returning Christian Pulisic as the men to create and score goals. However, with the likes of Hakim Ziyech now fit and Callum Hudson-Odoi fighting to get minutes, guessing the XI is not an easy task. Throw into the hat Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud and the Blues boss has plenty of options.

3. Harry, Axel or both… 

After bouncing back with a goal in the 4-1 win at Newcastle last weekend, Harry Maguire missed the win at PSG due to a minor injury but is available for the visit of Chelsea. Despite the United skipper returning, the performance of Axel Tuanzebe has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a welcome selection dilemma. The 22-year-old played admirably against the likes of Kylian Mpabbe and Neymar in what was his first match in 10 months – so much so that it will be hard to drop him. However, the Norwegian boss might keep to a back three – which worked will on Tuesday – meaning that he can fit both centre-backs into his team, meaning Luke Shaw might miss out.