Chelsea play host to table toppers United in a must win game for them this weekend. Manchester United travel to west London on a high after overcoming Arsenal on Monday night.
Stamford Bridge will host what is arguably the most important fixture of the season so far as Chelsea entertain Manchester United. With just three points separating the two teams who have won the last six Barclay’s Premier League trophies between them,
this match could provide a glimpse of where the title is heading this season. Let us preview the teams before this crunch clash.
Chelsea have picked up just six points out of possible 21 after a roaring start to the season, Chelsea are in turmoil after injuries to key players resulting in poor defensive displays and the abrupt departure of Ray Wilkins. The champions have looked out
of sorts since November but displayed a brilliant second half performance at White Hart Lane to earn a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday. Chelsea’s problem has been lack of inspiration and leadership with injuries to John Terry and Frank Lampard.
John Terry’s return has provided the team with defensive stability and leadership. Lampard’s return will be a huge boost in the creative department. With their star players back, Chelsea will be looking to resume their quest for the title with a win over their
arch rivals. A win will take Chelsea to the top level on points with United.
Team news: Ancelotti will go with his favourite 4-3-3 formation with Didier Drogba leading the charge. Lampard is likely to start after featuring for 15 minutes against Tottenham.
Man to watch: Midfield enforcer Frank Lampard is likely to make a return to the starting line up after being sidelined for three months with multiple injuries. Chelsea have missed his cutting edge passing ability in midfield this campaign.
Sir Alex Ferguson side is the only unbeaten team in the Premier League this season, Manchester United go into this clash on the back of a 1-0 home win against title contenders Arsenal. After an indifferent start to the season, the Red Devils had their
campaign up and running after thrashing Blackburn Rovers and a fantastic team performance against Arsenal when their ‘back four’ came out on top. United players are in good nick with Dimitar Berbatov, Nani, Ji Sung Park and Anderson all pressing for places
with good performances, as Manchester United take a full strength squad to Stamford Bridge. England international Wayne Rooney has not scored from open play this season, but he always makes goal-scoring opportunities for his team members as evident in thrashing
of Blackburn Rovers. On Sunday, the Red Devils will look to exact revenge for last season’s defeats and look to extend their lead to five points at the top of the table.
Possible line up: Ferguson reverted to five in midfield against Arsenal but will go back to his preferred 4-4-2 formation with Berbatov and Rooney up-front.
Man to watch: Wayne Rooney, who is not at his goal scoring best but his ability to drop in deep and provide an extra body in midfield and set up other players, will be crucial.
Prediction: Chelsea FC 1 Manchester United 2
This is an extremely close game to call given the talented players available in both teams. However, with solid defensive performance and moral boosting win over Arsenal and ability to grind out favorable results even when not at their best, all things point
towards a 2-1 win for Manchester United.
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