Manchester United vs. Chelsea: Carlo Ancelotti talks about striker option – Premier League news
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has hinted at starting the title decider against Manchester United with two strikers upfront in the form of Didier Drogba and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707 at Old Trafford this coming Sunday.
There have been numerous question marks over Fernando Alonso’s inability to fit in the Chelsea mould since making his move from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 in the 2011 January transfer window for a princely amount of 50 million pounds. The Spaniard has been unquestionably
below par as he has managed to find the net just once since putting on Blue threads. In their last game against Tottenham Hotspur, the striker was substituted at the 60-minute mark to be replaced by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Salomon-Kalou-c32266, who went on to score the winning goal of the
match.
While Torres’ form has hit rock bottom as compared to his own previously set high standards, there is further doubt whether it is a sensible move to play the former Atletico Madrid man with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Didier-Drogba-c11044 to lead the attack. Both players are used to being
the focal point of attack but that has not offset Ancelotti’s decision to start with the duo. The Italian was reportedly happy with how the two strikers combined in the London derby last weekend and argues that he could see a similar performance against Sir
Alex Ferguson’s men.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 boss commented, “To make a decision about the line-up, I have to forget the past. I have to look at the next training session. For 60 minutes, Drogba and Torres played with good combination.”
He further added, “It's not so important, the shape. It's more important that you put the players with the best ability together. It's important to have players in good form, in good condition. If we want to win there, we have to use intensity.”
Ancelotti concluded that while the Drogba-Torres partnership would be his first preference, he would not be hasty in his decision as the selection process would depend upon their respective shapes in training this week.
Starting with two strikers up front at Old Trafford appears to be a bold approach and accents Ancelotti’s desire to knick the title off the Red Devils in the closing stages.
With that said, it could also be the biggest gamble in the Italian manager’s career and would be vital in extending his marriage with Roman Abramovich.
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