The Blues host their arch-rivals at the Bridge after having lost their mid-week UEFA Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Chelsea:
Although one of the most attack minded teams in the Premier League, the London outfit doesn’t have enough depth in their squad to compete on all fronts.
Manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032 and the move backfired spectacularly, as the reigning European champions failed to trouble Shakhtar and also had Frank Lampard injured during the match.
However, with home advantage and a talented strike force at his disposal, Di Matteo has all the ingredients to concoct a win against the Red Devils in their very own backyard.
Manchester United:
Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SC-Braga-c40460 almost cost his side three points at Old Trafford. But luckily, the Reds rallied to secure the win after the break and now go into the weekend with
most of their players raring to go.
Fergie’s side have had a woeful record at Stamford Bridge in recent years, but following a sensational draw in February, another cracker could be on the cards for Sunday.
Team News:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786:
Captain http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Anton-Ferdinand-c6260 and will thus be unavailable to face the Anton’s brother, Rio, for this one.
With controversy out of the way, manager Roberto Di Matteo will be sweating on the fitness of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Lampard-c14097, who limped off during the clash with Shakhtar Donetsk with a calf problem.
His absence could mean a start for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720, who has piped down a bit after his sensational performance in the Champions League a few weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the rest of the line-up remains the same as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ashley-Cole-c6809 will look to continue their good run of form on
the flanks.
In midfield, Chelsea have a plethora of options, but with recent performances coming to mind, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ramires-c30523 could be given the nod alongside Oscar.
Juan Mata, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Eden-Hazard-c11863 and Fernando Torres form the attacking lynchpin and will surely be a stern test of their opponent’s defence, which has been shaky in the past few weeks.
Manchester United:
Sir Alex Ferguson will have Ashley Young, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paul-Scholes-c29394 available for this one and will in all likelihood accommodate the trio in his plans.
Furthermore, resting Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra against Braga could prove to be a brilliant decision, as the duo will be joined by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonny-Evans-c19085 and Rafael in defence.
Scholes should get the nod in the middle of the park alongside http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736 and Robin Van Persie’s partnership has shown incredible potential this term and the Scottish tactician will surely look to
exploit that with a start for both of them, despite Javier Hernandez’s recent form.
Key Players:
Chelsea: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707
The Spaniard will look to overcome his poor record against the Reds with a convincing performance and his chances look good with United’s defence in terrible state.
Manchester United: Wayne Rooney
Fergie’s main man will look to replicate his Braga display on the weekend, which was full of energy, creativity and attacking verve.
Author Prediction:
Chelsea 2-3 Manchester United
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