18 Yard Box has a look at the first of the double headers to be held at Stamford Bridge.
Having gained a possible 22 points of the 24 possible, Chelsea have got off to the best possible start since Jose Mourinho’s title winning season in 2006. With half their games played against teams from the bottom half of the table, Chelsea’s real test in the League begins with the visit of the Red Devils this Sunday. A mouth watering clash that it promises it to be, it will probably be in most scenarios a scintillating clash between two giants of English Football.
United on the other hand, at third place in
the table have had a stuttering start to the League season. Starting with a
dismal performance against Everton, United gained momentum before losing out to
a defiant Tottenham side at Old Trafford. With a win against early pace setters
Chelsea very crucial for the confidence of the team, one can expect United to
go all out for a victory against The Blues.
18 Yard Box looks at both the strengths and weaknesses of both teams before the clash.
Chelsea
Strengths
A clinical attack as strong as Chelsea’s are sure to test the United back four. The fearsome foursome of Mata, Hazard, Oscar and Torres are irresistible while going forward. Torres might just be the match winner here with his form on the rise. As it is, United's defense hasn’t been rock solid and are susceptible to conceding this season. The midfield duo Ramires and Mikel have done well in absence of Lampard and will be expected to continue in this game as well.
Weakness
With Terry banned from domestic football, they have lost their leader on the pitch who used to hold the team together. A pairing of Cahill and Luiz will be most probably used which although capable, can be disastrous if it’s not their day (Remember Falcao shredding them to pieces in the Super Cup Final).
An important mention here will be the absence of Lampard. Although not an automatic starter for Chelsea now, Lampard remains a favorable option for the coach when experience comes into play. And United at home is just that.
18 Yard Box looks at both the strengths and weaknesses of both teams before the clash.
Chelsea
Strengths
A clinical attack as strong as Chelsea’s are sure to test the United back four. The fearsome foursome of Mata, Hazard, Oscar and Torres are irresistible while going forward. Torres might just be the match winner here with his form on the rise. As it is, United's defense hasn’t been rock solid and are susceptible to conceding this season. The midfield duo Ramires and Mikel have done well in absence of Lampard and will be expected to continue in this game as well.
| Hazard's presence will strike fear down United's defense |
With Terry banned from domestic football, they have lost their leader on the pitch who used to hold the team together. A pairing of Cahill and Luiz will be most probably used which although capable, can be disastrous if it’s not their day (Remember Falcao shredding them to pieces in the Super Cup Final).
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| Terry's absence could prove cruical |
Manchester United
Strengths
With Van Persie, Hernandez (Chicharito) and Welbeck and Rooney all set to start for United, this game is going to be a real test for the centre back pairing of Luiz and Cahill. It might also give a hint of whether Ashley Cole is still able enough to continue at the top just as rumours of his exit pile up.
With Young absent from before, Kagawa's injury will coax Rooney to come deep and make play. This could very well be a blessing in disguise as Persie and Chicharito can be the perfect poachers with Rooney's fluent passing and sleek, penetrating runs.
Strengths
With Van Persie, Hernandez (Chicharito) and Welbeck and Rooney all set to start for United, this game is going to be a real test for the centre back pairing of Luiz and Cahill. It might also give a hint of whether Ashley Cole is still able enough to continue at the top just as rumours of his exit pile up.
With Young absent from before, Kagawa's injury will coax Rooney to come deep and make play. This could very well be a blessing in disguise as Persie and Chicharito can be the perfect poachers with Rooney's fluent passing and sleek, penetrating runs.
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| Kagawa's injury makes United miss a piece in the puzzle
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|
Weaknesses
United
arrive into the fixture with defensive problems. With Vidic out with a long
term injury and Smalling and Jones, although on the brink if returning, are not
fit enough to play their parts, United only have the pairing of Ferdinand and
Evans to depend upon. Any more knocks
and United will have to go back to the unreliable Carrick in centre half.
The absence of Kagawa can come back to hunt United as although Rooney is more than capable to play in that position, a specialist would have been better to challenge the likes of Oscar and Ramires in the midfield.
Analysis and Key Players
The midfield is where the game will be won. With a possible start for Scholes, Carrick as defensive midfielders and Rooney, Nani and Welbeck in the attacking positions, as compared to Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Mikel and Ramires, United are in for a real test. The danger of being run out in the centre of the park is real and that's where United have to focus.
The absence of Kagawa can come back to hunt United as although Rooney is more than capable to play in that position, a specialist would have been better to challenge the likes of Oscar and Ramires in the midfield.
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| Vidic out due to injury!...again |
Analysis and Key Players
The midfield is where the game will be won. With a possible start for Scholes, Carrick as defensive midfielders and Rooney, Nani and Welbeck in the attacking positions, as compared to Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Mikel and Ramires, United are in for a real test. The danger of being run out in the centre of the park is real and that's where United have to focus.
Juan Mata will have to keep his form if Chelsea is to
get the three points. With delightful passing and creative build up play, Mata
has to be the one pulling the strings in this one.
With Evra
all set to start at Left Back, one wouldn’t be surprised if Di Matteo starts
with Hazard down the right hand side
of Chelsea. Evra having well past his prime will suffer the wrath of the young
Belgian with fleet footed movements on the ball.
As for
Manchester United, Rooney will be an
important force to reckon with. He links up the midfield well with Persie and
might just be the key to unlock Chelsea’s defense.
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| Rooney V/S Luiz will be one to watch out for |
A certain Rio Ferdinand needs to step up and hold
the defense water tight. On their day the dangerous Hazard, Oscar and Torres
are capable of scoring the hell out of the other team and thus, Ferdinand needs
to keep up his levels and show his experience on the pitch.
To watch out for player battles on the pitch click here.
Importance of a win
A top of the table clash is always a very important one. Chelsea have already taken a 4-point lead over their rivals and a victory here would open that gap to seven. A lead of that sort so early in the League for Chelsea could will do no harm as United do turn on the heat post December.
On the other hand Manchester United need a victory more than Chelsea. Coming off from a stuttering game against Braga in the Champions League in the midfield, United need to better their performance if they need to get anything at The Bridge. Winning this means cutting the lead to only one point. This will take the much needed pressure off them. Another important factor that has to be put into perspective for United is momentum. With them having to face Chelsea again in the midweek followed by a visit from the Gunners, this could be United's moment of truth.
To watch out for player battles on the pitch click here.
Importance of a win
A top of the table clash is always a very important one. Chelsea have already taken a 4-point lead over their rivals and a victory here would open that gap to seven. A lead of that sort so early in the League for Chelsea could will do no harm as United do turn on the heat post December.
On the other hand Manchester United need a victory more than Chelsea. Coming off from a stuttering game against Braga in the Champions League in the midfield, United need to better their performance if they need to get anything at The Bridge. Winning this means cutting the lead to only one point. This will take the much needed pressure off them. Another important factor that has to be put into perspective for United is momentum. With them having to face Chelsea again in the midweek followed by a visit from the Gunners, this could be United's moment of truth.
The Final Verdict
With such
depth of talent across both the sides, it is going to be an exciting match with
as exciting a score line. A 3-2 victory for Chelsea will be my best bet with the
trio of Mata, Hazard and Torres causing havoc in the final third of the pitch.
Although, Lampard and Terry’s absence will harm the Blues, United currently do
not possess the determination to beat a resilient Chelsea in their backyard.
Written By,
Aman Arora
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box.
Written By,
Aman Arora
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box.
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