Chelsea, Manchester City plus United resume battle for number one
English Premier League will resume after a two weeks pause due to international matches break and it is to be seen whether this untimely break will affect the performances of the teams or not?
Among the big four clubs of England, Chelsea will take on Aston Villa which would surely be a tough battle for Chelsea as they seek to improve their points difference which at present is four. There is already some bad news for Chelsea as some of their key
players are continuously struggling with injuries and due to this, the prospect of facing Villa makes the situation worse for reigning champions.
The Blues have been in sublime form as they have won six out of their seven games in the Premier League, this season. Their only defeat came at the hands of Manchester City, who edged past 1-0 and are presently in second place with fourteen points, four
behind Chelsea.
The defending champions will definitely not find it easy to defeat Aston Villa at home as in recent years, Villa have been a force to reckon with, especially at their own Villa Park.
Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of skipper John Terry and Alex, who are their two most recognized centre backs at present after the departure of Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti will have to play make-shift centre backs but this weakness
can be brutally explored by the towering figures of John Carew, Emile Heskey and Agbonlahor.
Alex is expected to be out for a couple of weeks after tearing his thigh muscle while playing against Arsenal before the international break. Terry also has been suffering lower back problem that forced him to sit out during England’s European Championship
qualifier. Now, the two players who might be paired as centre backs against Villa could be Michael Essien and Branislav Ivanovic. Essien played at defence under Jose Mourinho and exceled in pressure. His physical strength will be useful against the powerful
strike force of Villa.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa can easily catch Chelsea through set pieces as they will be much stronger in air. The tall figures of Heskey and Carew would stand out against Essien and Ivanovic. The other option for Ancelotti could be Paolo Ferreira, who is a good
utility player and can be handy anywhere on the field.
Villa are yet to get succumbed by anyone at home and the players would be pretty confident that they can get the better of defending champions and the promising winger, Marc Albrighton remains hopeful that they can shock the table leaders.
The winger admitted that Chelsea are favourites but his side has other ambitions –they will be playing only with one aim, that is to go out and give your hundred percent.
Moreover, second-placed Manchester City will be taking on the promoted Blackpool, who have recently defeated Liverpool on their home ground. Manchester United will take on West Brom Albion and it will be a crucial match for United who are now chasing their
rivals Manchester City and Chelsea. The Red Devils will be looking to topple City, who are a point ahead of their neighbours.
Furthermore, the former Barcelona midfielder, Yaya Toure has vowed after his transfer that he has come to help Manchester City win titles.
The Ivorian Coast midfielder believes that they will eventually beat Blackpool to further enhance their chances of winning the league this time around.
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