A RUDDERLESS ship is a dangerous thing. Chelsea host Manchester United at the Bridge on Sunday, with the Reds in disarray and the Blues, by contrast, in rather chipper mood.

The visit to the King Power in the league last weekend was a potential banana skin, but Chelsea breezed it.

The passing was sublime, the transitions slick and the team operated like a well-oiled engine, denying the Foxes space and using the wings intelligently.

How will the United team react to losing their manager of three years, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

In a way, they have nothing to lose. Perhaps it will lift the millstone from around their necks. Or perhaps Thomas Tuchel will continue to drive his troops on, mounting raids like brigands, flashing swift interchanges between midfielders and (with the exception of the odd diagonal lob to keep opponents guessing), always playing out methodically and calmly from the back.

While many would say Reece James is the most improved player under Tuchel, the same could be argued for Trevoh Chalobah, Toni Rudiger and N’Golo Kante, who was at his mischievous best against his former club at the King Power.

It’s a mouthwatering clash against United. Now that Christian Pulisic is returning to form as well, Tuchel’s options are boggling.

The one figure who risks being marginalised as everyone waxes lyrical about this exciting team is captain Cesar Azpilicueta. He is gradually losing a once-guaranteed starting slot, yet he remains one of the greatest crossers of the ball.