Chelsea vs Manchester United preview

February 4, 2012
By: Frank Beresford

Chelsea have long ago dropped out of the title race, so this derby game may not have the same importance as the previous clashes against the Red Devils, but we should, nonetheless, see an intense affair at Stamford Bridge.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side have experienced major problems this season and it is perfectly clear that the team are not playing to their potential.

John Terry and Frank Lampard are struggling for form, just as overpaid Fernando Torres, so no wonder that the Blues have big problems up front now that Didier Drogba is at Africa Cup of Nations.

Ramires’ injury came at the worst possible time as the Brazilian was probably the only in-form player in the side, alongside Juan Mata, although Michael Essien’s return was a big boost for everyone at the club.

Just as I had predicted, Chelsea faced big problems at Liberty Stadium and were lucky to score the last-gasp equalizer when Jose Bosingwa’s cross was diverted past Michel Vorm, and that was the fourth successive game in which the Blues failed to score more than one goal.

Much to my surprise, online bookmakers see Chelsea as favourites in this clash, but not even at 2.75 (7/4) offered by BetVictor are the hosts worth backing here.

John Terry and Ashley Cole miss out through injury and suspension respectively, but Frank Lampard is expected to return.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Cech – Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Bosingwa – Meireles, Romeu, Lampard – Sturridge, Torres, Mata.

Manchester United go into the game high on confidence having finally closed the gap behind their title rivals, and thanks to their former player Darron Gibson.

United have been showing a lot of promise lately, winning four of their last five games in all competitions, while playing really well in the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson has encountered numerous selection problems of late, with Rooney, Nani and Lindegaard all missing, but the situation is improving and Fergie should be able to field a very strong side at Stamford Bridge.

The Red Devils won their last derby game in the Premiership, having beaten Arsenal at the Emirates, and odds of 2.80 (9/5) offered by 888sport could be worth a shot.

Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Nani are all back in contention, whereas Tom Cleverley is also available. With Anders Lindegaard sidelined through ankle injury, David De Gea looks set to start between the sticks.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): De Gea – Smalling, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra – Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Nani – Rooney – Welbeck.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!