Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vs. Frank Lampard – Who will come out on top?
By Varun Aithal
After a shocking victory in Paris, Manchester United are up against Chelsea in the Premier League.
The matchup between the two sides is expected to be quite intense as the duo returns from Champions League football with positive results but Manchester United enjoyed their weekday events more than Chelsea.
It is a big game for both sides. Chelsea finished fourth previously whereas Manchester United made their way to third on the final day of the season.
The Blues can be considered as favorites because of their star players and summer signings. United, on the other end of the pitch, can be recognized as favorites following consecutive victories from Europe to the Premier League.
Ole’s men have a game in hand over their opponents but have already suffered two setbacks in the new campaign with losses against Crystal Palace and Tottenham respectively. The Manchester club is way down the ladder in 15th place while Chelsea sits in eighth position with eight points to their name.
Chelsea were forced to settle for a draw against Southampton after Jannik Vestergaard scored an equalizer in stoppage team. Lampard’s chances of bagging three points were shattered as their defense couldn’t contain the high tempo of Ralph Hussenhuttl’s side.
Unlike Solskjaer, Lampard has drawn the last two games, unable to finish teams off, and is yet to sort out their goalkeeper issues.
Concerns and Injury News:
Frank has his own set of concerns regarding Chelsea’s start to the season. Despite spending heavily in the transfer market, the team has failed to get the perfect start.
Though they have added Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva to their defensive ranks, the defense looks below the required standard to compete and have let in nine goals already.
The new goalkeeper has two clean sheets in three starts for the Stamford Bridge outfit and might continue in between the sticks as Kepa Arrizabalaga has an injury to his shoulder.
Hakim Ziyech is in contention to start the game against Man United as he is fully fit. Billy Gilmour has also been ruled out till November. He has suffered a knee injury.
Lampard begins by reporting a clean bill of health for the majority of his squad: 'Kepa has a shoulder issue so won't travel to Manchester and Gilmour is a longer-term one.' The rest of the players are fit.#MUNCHE
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 23, 2020
For the Old Trafford boys, the manager said that Mason Greenwood and Harry Maguire have to pass a late fitness test if they are to feature against the Blues.
After all the hard training with the squad since his arrival, Edinson Cavani could feature and make his Manchester United and Premier League debut. The team will be without the services of Eric Bailly and Jesse Lingard due to injuries
Anthony Martial will not feature in the match against Lampard’s side with him serving a suspension for his red card against Spurs a fortnight ago. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to redeem himself and so does his players after they were thrashed by Spurs at Old Trafford.
light. Related Story. Man United youngster has been warned
Red Devils are yet to register a victory at Old Trafford this season. Their last victory at the Theatre of Dreams came against LASK in August. Can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer oust Frank Lampard again and repeat their 4-0 victory of last term?
Match details:
Stadium: Old Trafford
Kick-off: 17:30 BST, 16:30 GMT
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Fourth Official: Jonathan Moss