What: English Premier League
Who: Chelsea vs Manchester United
When: Sunday 5th February, 2012, at 16:00 UK Time
Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England
Stamford Bridge Splits
To describe Chelsea as a divided team seems an understatement. A side with a combination of highly talented youngsters, such as Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge and Oriol Romeu, they also boast a number of players who have been labelled in some quarters as past their best (Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry).
Not only that, but a split is rumoured to divide the dressing room between the old guard and the Portuguese speaking contingent. Chelsea’s form would certainly indicate a level of disharmony. Results have been mixed and the only thing consistent about the Blues’ form has been that they have been so inconsistent.
Most alarmingly for Andre Villas-Boas though, most of his side’s poor results have been down to individual mistakes rather than anything fundamentally wrong with his tactics. For a manager so careful about small tactical details he will tear his hair out at the individual errors of judgment and decision-making by some players. Seemingly uncomfortable with his new system, Chelsea are making more errors than usual, compounded by the ageing nature of the squad, and the Portuguese is doing an admirable job of papering over an almighty crack in his team.
The consequence of the divide is seen in Chelsea’s form since the New Year, which has been underwhelming. Outplayed by Swansea this week and fortunate to get a late equaliser, the Blues have narrowly beaten QPR, drawn with Norwich and won 1-0 at home to Sunderland. Indeed Chelsea have scored more than once in the Premier League only against lowly Wolves since their impressive victory over Manchester City at the start of December.
Manchester United Crank Up the Pressure
A 3-0 loss to Newcastle aside, it has been a good start to 2012 for Manchester United at the time of year they are traditionally meant to improve. In fact, statistics bear out that the club’s early season form is done a disservice by the idea that they are ‘stronger after Christmas’, an oft used cliche which is only true in two of the last four seasons.
The reality is that Manchester United are stubbornly consistent regardless of injuries, which still blight their squad. Victory against Stoke lifted Sir Alex Ferguson’s men level on points with Manchester City, whilst before that they had claimed an important 2-1 win at Arsenal. However, City have won just three of their last nine and Arsenal have been in shambolic form in this calendar year. The Red Devils’ position seems, similarly to the year before, to be as much to do with the weakness of their rivals than their own strength.
Manchester United though, know that they have a great chance of lifting their 20th title this season if they can build up some good form. Their exit from the FA Cup last weekend will have been a blow, but a comfortable 2-0 win over Stoke was the perfect preparation for this clash.
Recent form
Chelsea:
Norwich 0-0 Chelsea (21/01; Premier League)
QPR 0-1 Chelsea (28/01; FA Cup)
Swansea 1-1 Chelsea (31/01; Premier League)
Manchester United:
Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United (22/01; Premier League)
Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United (28/01; FA Cup)
Manchester United 2-0 Stoke (31/01; Premier League)
Key absences
Chelsea: John Terry (doubt); Ashley Cole; Frank Lampard; Ramires; John Obi Mikel; Salomon Kalou; Didier Drogba
Manchester United: Anders Lindegaard (doubt); Phil Jones; Nemanja Vidic; Ashley Young (doubt); Anderson; Darren Fletcher (doubt); Tom Cleverley (doubt); Michael Owen
Players to watch
Chelsea – Raul Meireles: Manchester United’s weakness is in central midfield and they will likely take a similar approach to that adopted at the Emirates Stadium, with Wayne Rooney dropping back to help. Chelsea will have to find a way of breaking down the defensive midfield block the visitors will create, and key to that is Meireles’ ability to dictate play and keep possession, so that danger men Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge are given as much service as possible.
Manchester United – Antonio Valencia: Valencia is possibly the champions’ most effective winger, providing as he does a regular supply line and numerous assists. His pace and trickery, as well as direct running, have been a key part of what has been good in Manchester United’s performances in January. Ashley Cole was sent off against Swansea, and Villas-Boas will have the dilemma of who to put in his place. Jose Bosingwa or David Luiz? Or Ryan Bertrand? Whoever it is will have the task of ensuring the Ecuadorean winger is kept as quiet as possible, or it may be a long night for Chelsea.
Match Prediction
Chelsea will probably try to come on to Manchester United, as is their style, and Ferguson’s team could be pushed back and look to counter attack through the pace of Antonio Valencia and Nani (if fit) on the flanks. It was how they won against Arsenal in January and it will be how they beat Chelsea here if they are to do so.
Manchester United are clinical, and Chelsea’s wobbly backline are likely to give them chances on the break. But the Red Devils are also weak defensively, and with uncertainty still over the goalkeeping position, Villas-Boas should be confident his team will score. Mata, Sturridge and Fernando Torres between them should be good enough to do just that, though whether they can break recent habits and get a second is doubtful. Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United.
Who comes out on top in this huge Chelsea v Manchester United clash? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
