What: English Premier League
Who: Chelsea vs Manchester United
When: Sunday 28th October, 2012, at 16:00 UK Time
Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England
Rejuvenated Blues Lead the Way
Defeat in midweek to Shakhtar Donetsk was a blow that leaves Chelsea’s defence of the Champions League hanging in the balance already. But whilst their progression to the last 16 of that competition is under threat, domestically they have been supreme. And billionaire loathing neutrals have even started to quite like the new version of the Blues.
Chelsea have come through their two big games so far, away to London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, with style, impressing many. They have defended fairly well through both games, while counter attacking with real flair and purpose. Fernando Torres still is not prolific, but he has been instrumental. The Spanish striker draws defenders to him, creating space for deadly attacking trio Eden Hazard, Oscar and Juan Mata, and his underrated passing ability means that Chelsea are able to carve holes in their opponents regularly.
Although it is Chelsea’s attack which has been praised for its fluidity and making the Blues more entertaining, it is arguably their defence which has led them to the top of the Premier League. Rivals such as Arsenal, Tottenham and both Manchester clubs, are trying to solve various defensive dilemmas, while Chelsea have had a reasonably solid backline. Not entirely convincing, but good enough to give them the edge on their main competitors. However, the arrival in west London of arguably the Premier League’s most talented collection of attackers will give Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo his sternest defensive test yet.
Manchester United Defence Testing Ferguson’s Patience
Sir Alex Ferguson could have been forgiven for wondering whether his side do it on purpose in midweek. Manchester United may have been 2-0 down within 20 minutes in the Champions League against Braga, but there was an inevitability that they would come back to win at Old Trafford. Mexican hitman Javier Hernandez was the hero, and illustrated the strength in depth that Ferguson now boasts in attack with two goals to remind the Scot that he is still there, and would quite like to play more often too.
But the defence has been a worry all season – in eight of twelve games Manchester United have conceded the first goal. They cannot continue to do it, although if anyone was going to break that mantra it would be the Red Devils. Against Newcastle, last month Manchester United reverted to a diamond formation to take control of central midfield. It worked brilliantly and they may adopt a similar system to stifle Chelsea’s attacking midfielders in this game.
That though, would have the effect of negating the side’s width. Much of Manchester United’s success in recent years has come from counter attacking through wide players like Antonio Valencia at pace. That worked when the defence was strong enough to absorb constant pressure – now it is not, Ferguson is adapting his team again. That is the real problem Manchester United are grappling with; developing a new partnership as formidable as the one forged by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. A lack of a defensive midfielder did not stop the side winning the Champions League in 2008 – but the lack of a central defender might have.
Recent form
Chelsea:
Chelsea 4-1 Norwich (06/10; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 2-4 Chelsea (20/10; Premier League)
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Chelsea (23/10; Champions League)
Manchester United:
Newcastle United 0-3 Manchester United (06/10; Premier League)
Manchester United 4-2 Stoke (20/10; Premier League)
Manchester United 3-2 Braga (23/10; Champions League)
Key absences
Chelsea: John Terry (suspended); Frank Lampard
Manchester United: Nemanja Vidic; Phil Jones; Chris Smalling; Anders Lindegaard; Shinji Kagawa
Players to watch
Chelsea – Juan Mata: Since his arrival from Valencia last year, Mata has been arguably Chelsea’s most important player. No one has been as consistent as the Spaniard, whose constant energy and creativity have been at the heart of most of his team’s best moves. It is well documented how open Manchester United have been in the areas in front of their central defenders and Mata will hope to exploit any gaps in that area. If his team-mates’ finishing is as good as his passing, Chelsea could see off another of their key rivals.
Manchester United – Robin van Persie: Van Persie scored a hat-trick here for Arsenal last season and will be relishing the prospect of returning to Stamford Bridge with his new team. The Dutchman has been prolific since joining the Red Devils, scoring eight in eleven games for Ferguson’s men. His intelligent movement will test a Chelsea defence without John Terry, and if he is given too much time and space, he will win this game for the visitors.
Match Prediction
This is a fascinating early look at two of the main challengers for this season’s Premier League title. Unlike some of their rivals, Chelsea have not particularly suffered with injuries so far and come into this game relatively at full strength, minus two of the ‘old guard’ – John Terry and Frank Lampard. Arguably Chelsea are better served without Terry for this one. His lack of pace can be particularly vulnerable if paired with David Luiz who, like many Brazilian defenders, is not at his best defending a high line. With Gary Cahill alongside him Chelsea should be more solid.
Branislav Ivanovic has been the unsung hero for the Blues’ so far this season, his rampaging runs forward an important part of their good form. Up against Patrice Evra, who has been below par for some time, the Serb could enjoy space to run into in dangerous areas. Wayne Rooney’s defensive contribution will therefore be vital to help Manchester United limit the threat down the right, whilst Eden Hazard could cause havoc on their left.
This is likely to be a far more open game than when these sides have met in recent years. But Chelsea look more reliable when without the ball at present, and if Manchester United attack through the centre they are likely to find little joy. If Ferguson plays with wingers, he could exploit Di Matteo’s side. But then, his own team would also be exposed themselves. Chelsea look to have the better hand to play. Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United.
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