It all comes down to this. The title will be basically decided on this one game. A win or draw for United and league title no.19 is on its way to Old Trafford. If Chelsea prevail, it is difficult to see us recovering to regain the title. Not impossible but the momentum would certianly be with the Londoners.
The loss to Arsenal last week has offered Chelsea a glimmer of hope as they now sit just three points behind us in the league. A win would see them go level on points with United, although we would maintain a slight advantage in the goal difference, barring a disaster.
The point is Chelsea have nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous. Only a win will do for them whereas a draw would suit us fine. Expect Chelsea to arrive with the kitchen sink and throw it at us early doors.
Ancelotti is missing only Jose Bosingwa for the match, while Yury Zhirkov is a doubt. Neither player would have been likely to start the match.
The Chelsea manager’s most pressing concern is whether to start misfiring Spaniard Fernando Torres alongside Didier Drogba in the London side’s most crucial match of the season. He shouldn’t, of course, but it all depends on how much pressure is applied by Abramovich. He may also be swayed by Torres’s decent record against United.
We shouldn’t fear them though, far from it. Our home form has been near impeccable this season, having remained unbeaten. Similarly, we were by far the better side in both legs in the Champions League quarter final, having beaten them home and away. They will be hungry and aggressive but we are the better side.
Fergie’s altered selection against Schalke, in what was an impressive win, would suggest that we can expect near enough the same side which started those two Champions League encounters against the Londoners. I would expect the team read something like:
Van Der Sar, Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Park, Giggs, Carrick, Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez.
It may differ slightly but this selection won’t be far away. It is important that Hernandez starts for me as he will play on the last shoulder and keep them honest. I also think he would have the measure of John Terry with his movement and pace. If picked Vanencia and Park’s industry would allow our full backs to get forward, whilst also provide some cutting edge themselves, particularly the Ecuadorian.
Chelsea will come after us; because they have to. We need to keep the ball and more importantly our composure. We are one game away from winning the league. Lets go out and prove we are worthy champions.
Prediction
Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Submitted by Glory Glory Man Utd
