Ramires is relishing Vieira battle
Chelsea midfielder Ramires Santos do Nascimento has
spoken of his excitement at the prospect of lining up against his hero Patrick Vieira when the west London side meets Manchester City on Saturday. The Brazilian told Chelsea’s official website, “Players
always dream about playing with or against their heroes, and I am the same with Vieira.”
The summer import from Benfica fits a mould similar to that of the former Arsenal captain, with the same capacity to destruct opposing players, and drive forward with the ball. Whether the pair will come
into direct combat this weekend is still unknown, but Ramires will be in the starting line-up that Carlo Ancelotti named on Friday afternoon. Vieira, meanwhile, has been used rather sparingly since his January move to Eastlands, with defensive midfield trio
Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong and Yaya Toure ahead of the Frenchman in the pecking order.
It’s a midfield battle that will certainly be keenly fought on Saturday, as Ancelotti named Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel alongside Ramires to do battle with the aforementioned City trio, who are all
likely to start the game – although it is still uncertain at this point. It’ll certainly be a full-blooded affair.
It’ll no doubt be a test for Ramires too, who has only really featured fleetingly since his big-money summer move to Stamford Bridge, as he gets used to his new surroundings and a higher quality league.
But with Frank Lampard still nursing an injury, the Brazilian will come in for his first real test on Saturday as Chelsea hopes to keep up their 100 percent record in the league, following an impressive start. City represents Chelsea's sternest test of the
season so far, so Ramires will have to get up to speed quickly and relish whatever battle he is faced with.
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