Man U vs Chelsea: Barn burner or bust?
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by Foolsgold
If there's one match that I wouldn't even dream about wagering on this weekend, it's without a doubt the Blues trip to Old Trafford on Sunday. There are just too many factors to ponder, too many elements to consider, and ultimately, history teaches us nothing about what kind of match, nor performance from either side, we should expect.
Taking Manchester United at home in the past is usually a safe bet, but they've been wholly unimpressive there so far this season. They've beaten Sunderland and Tottenham by 1-0 results in their last two home matches and drew to Reading there to start the season. They've also yet to manage more than a goal in any match, home or away, this season.
Only if you've been living in the outback the past week would I excuse you from not knowing that Jose Mourinho has left Chelsea. The players have not reacted positively, with many hinting that they do not want to be there if the Special One isn't either. Their form as of late has also been lacking to say the least and I look for the Avram Grant, the new manager, to shake things up a bit.
Lampard and Drogba are very doubtful, so the goal-scoring issues for the Blues look to continue. I would not be shocked to see Ballack and Shevchenko to start in their places. With Jose gone, a more broad, liberal use of the squad appears imminent. I doubt we'll see a major stir like Sidwell starting, but I definitely look for a more experienced side on Sunday.
Ultimately, I think Grant will go about the game quite conservatively particularly due to the importance of it and he probably doesn't have a confident feel of his squad yet. In other words, I can definitely see Makélélé and Essien starting. Man United have become quite easily frustrated on attack this season and I'm sure the Blues will look to do that early and then pick their spots to launch a quick counter.
I wonder if this will be the first match we see both Rooney and Tevez start? I'm going to say yes. I'm not sure why Fergie still goes with Giggs and Scholes as regulars. Is it because he has nobody else to play? Their experience is invaluable, but their declining pace and quickness is becoming quite evident. Nani looks capable of being a regular, but I'm not so sure about Anderson.
What I think this match truly comes down to is whether the Chelsea players can overcome the exit of their boss and come together as a team. Honestly, I don't think they can and fully expect them to be 'distracted'. Teams usually come together after losing a star player to injury or otherwise, or when a disliked coach leaves or is fired. Neither of those things happened here, so though I won't be betting on it, I'll pick Man U to prevail, 2-1.
Originally posted here
