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Three big issues for Thomas Tuchel to contend with as Chelsea face Man United

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Chelsea host Manchester United on Sunday afternoon for an intriguing Premier League match-up.

The Blues enter the weekend top of the table but play after rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, meaning they may need to avoid defeat to return to the top of the tree.

But the Red Devils are far from an easy prospect to get to grips with following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Caretaker Michael Carrick led the team to a win at Villarreal in midweek, and United’s stars could be playing for their place in the line-up with incoming interim boss Ralf Rangnick looking on.

Here, Standard Sport take a look at three big issues Thomas Tuchel must contend with ahead of the game.

Thiago vs Ronaldo

Two true greats of the game will collide when Thiago Silva faces up to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Between them they have won just about everything there is to win – and despite their combined age of 73, they are still setting standards in the Premier League.

Both rely on their wits as much as their ageing limbs these days, but it should be a fascinating contest.

Exploiting United’s absentees

Without the suspended Harry Maguire and injured Raphael Varane – and with Luke Shaw missing the midweek game against Villarreal, it could be a makeshift rear-guard for United.

If Chelsea can produce the same slick attacking performance that destroyed Juventus on Tuesday, it could be a miserable afternoon for the visitors.

Avoid the new manager bounce

Perhaps the biggest threat for Thomas Tuchel’s side is that a change at the top sparks a reaction for United. In their first game without OIe Gunnar Solskjaer, they secured a win against Villarreal and qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Can those positive vibes be carried into Sunday or will Chelsea expose the frailties that led to Solskjaer’s sacking?

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