After ten months of top flight football it all comes down to this. One match. Chelsea versus Manchester United. The two dominant heavyweights of English football meet in the ultimate title fight. John Wisdom takes a look ahead to Sunday’s decisive clash.
 |
| John Wisdom |
'On Sunday the 8th of May, Manchester United and Chelsea will meet in what is a potential title decider. Currently United are sitting three points ahead, however victory for Chelsea would see them go top of the table with only two games of the season left.
Chelsea’s ability to overhaul what was a 15 point deficit is testament to their battling qualities, and manager Carlo Ancelotti will be extremely pleased that they have managed to get themselves into a position from which they can win the league through their own actions.
The Blues have at times been lucky, particularly last week in their match against Tottenham, and have failed to regain the form that they showed in the opening few months of the Premier League when they threatened to run away with it.
However the run-in to the end of the season is not about how you play, but about getting the results. Since beating Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on the 1st of March, Chelsea have gained 22 points from a possible 24.
 |
| Vidic and Drogba clash (chelsea.theoffside.com) |
Ancelotti is once more faced with a selection problem. Does he start with Didier Drogba and set his team up in the 4-3-3 formation in which they seem most comfortable? Or does he attempt to play 4-4-2 with both Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres upfront together? The Ivorian put in such a strong performance against Manchester United after coming off the bench the last time these two teams met at Old Trafford that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Torres relegated to the bench.
Manchester United are still in the driving seat and you wouldn’t want to bet against them at Old Trafford. Their home form this season has been exceptional, winning 16 times and drawing only once, back in October against West Bromwich Albion.
The Red Devils have reverted from a position where they almost had one hand on the trophy, to an intense pressure situation, however if there is one manager who will know how to prepare his team for such a game it is Sir Alex Ferguson. Carrick and Anderson found themselves outnumbered in the midfield last weekend at the Emirates Stadium. Instead the return of Ryan Giggs to the starting line up, who proved influential in defeating Chelsea in the Champions League quarter final, and Paul Scholes to the bench, coupled with the home advantage should see United enjoy far more possession then they did down in London.
This game will be full of tension, regardless of the quality of football. Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United are still in command of their destiny going into the biggest game of the season so far.'
Share your thoughts on the biggest match of the domestic season below:
Share your thoughts on the biggest match of the domestic season below:
No comments:
Post a Comment