With both Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez taking a swing at each other in Friday's press conferences, you know that it is on. There is no way in hell Ferguson will let Manchester United start as slowly as they did at The Emirates last weekend. He's been out-thought by Rafa earlier this season (twice in fact) and he won't accept another defeat. This is probably the last time Benitez will manage in English football for a while and Ferguson would like nothing better than to play a part in ruining his mortal enemy's Stamford Bridge mission and his legacy in the British game. For Rafa, this game is massive. They have the upper hand in the table when it comes to points, but have United, Spurs and Everton left to play. By no means are they assured a place in the Top 4.
From Ferguson's point of view, the game is about trying to stop Hazard, Mata and Oscar. In the FA Cup replay he made Michael Carrick track Juan Mata, tell Phil Jones to stop Ramires bursting forward and using Tom Cleverley tucking in from the left to contain Oscar. The plan ultimately failed as the midfield lacked creativity (though this was their 2nd game in 3 days) and they gave all the initiative to Chelsea, who probed and probed and eventually scored. They will try and block all room between the lines, so expect Phil Jones to start. I expect and hope Michael Carrick is benched- he's playing through injury and needs a rest. Ferguson will also worry about Ashley Cole overlapping, but knows Antonio Valencia generally likes facing the former Arsenal left back. Rafael probably won't be rested just yet and those two will play together on the right. The left back position could see Ryan Giggs playing in a narrower role, allowing either Azpillicueta or Ivanovic time on the ball. Neither are quite Roberto Carlos-esque. His next dilemma comes upfront because Robin van Persie is in top form but deserves a rest at some stage, Javier Hernandez has a great record against Chelsea and Wayne Rooney is also available. Of late Shinji Kagawa has received game time as Ferguson begins planning for next season. It will be interesting to see what front 3 he uses.
Likely team: de Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Valencia, Cleverley, Jones, Kagawa, Rooney, Hernandez.
Benitez has it easier. Demba Ba will probably get the nod over a strangely prolific Fernando Torres upfront, while Hazard, Mata and Oscar will all start. Ramires' energy has caused United numerous problems in the past 3 seasons, and he will line up alongside John Obi Mikel in all probability. I however think David Luiz will be better suited to this role as he has a better passing range and can be a threat from set plays. This man has scored 2 important goals for Chelsea against United in the past, and is technically far superior to Mikel. John Terry was left out in midweek and may be a surprise starter. Benitez must worry about fatigue, his team have a ginormous game against Spurs in midweek, their 63rd game of the season, meaning they play Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday and then Saturday again.
Likely team: Cech, Azpillicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Ba.
This game will likely be decided by which team is more up for it. United have little left to play for and Chelsea are exhausted and know they have an even bigger game in midweek. Benitez's previous game at Old Trafford was decided by his excellent use of the bench, while United too possess great depth. I see them being pumped up for this game and starting of well, but Chelsea have the ability to put them to the sword. I expect a draw, either 1-1 or 2-2. This fixture is generally dramatic and exciting. Will we see another great game this Sunday ?
No comments:
Post a Comment