Tuchel throws ‘excellent’ Chelsea, Man Utd stars into intriguing comparison

Hakim Ziyech, Olivier Giroud, Ngolo Kante Chelsea TEAMtalk

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel picked out the similarities between Olivier Giroud and Edinson Cavani ahead of his side’s clash with Manchester United.

The Blues head into Sunday’s meeting at Stamford Bridge looking to continue their fine form.

What’s more, Olivier Giroud will have his eyes on another goal. His overhead kick earned Chelsea a Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

For United, Giroud’s fellow striker Cavani is in the spotlight despite being unlikely to start due to injury;  Tuchel coached the Uruguayan at Paris Saint-Germain before the forward moved to Old Trafford.

“Look at them and when they switch shirt, they are totally fit,” Tuchel told reporters of the pair at his pre-match press conference (via football.london).

“Oli is 100 per cent fit, zero body fat, same as Edi. He is a player like Oli who, as a number nine, is always concerned about the team, suffers for the team, always ready to run open spaces and defend for the whole team.

“Then in the box they are both excellent finishers, they have the composure.

“They are top quality strikers, top quality number nines and for me their fitness and self-discipline are key to their success.”

Chelsea v Man Utd Match Preview, February 28, 2021

Chelsea v Man Utd Match Preview, February 28, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Chelsea and Man Utd, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

Tuchel also has history with United, having played them four times as PSG manager in the past two seasons.

All four matches came in the Champions League, two at the last 16 stage in the 2018/19 season before reverse ties in this season’s group stages.

However, as the German pointed out, he has a chequered record against Red Devils counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Tuchel hoping for Chelsea victory

Thomas Tuchel, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer PSG v Man Utd March 2019

“We played twice against them, we lost both home matches and won both away games, strange results,” Tuchel said.

“We hope that we can turn this around and win at home but they are unbeaten away in the league and the challenge is big. They like to have space, have counter-attacks.

“We played two consecutive years against them, it was tough matches and we will prepare for the game tomorrow onwards.”

Chelsea have not lost since Tuchel arrived, winning six of eight games.

United, meanwhile, are unbeaten in nine matches.

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