Chelsea-Manchester United clash may not be six pointer in English Premier League
The English Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United was considered to be a six pointer in terms of the title race but the motives of either side will be different this time around.
Chelsea have lost ground on league leaders Manchester United, and are now more concerned with a top 4 finish. However, English football club are placed at No. 5 and 2 points behind Tottenham Hotspur and 3 points behind Manchester City.
They have a game in hand over both their rivals but unfortunately that game is against the league leaders. If Chelsea win this match, they will nicely balance the race for the title and for a top 4 finish. However, Manchester City missed the chance to stretch
their lead after they were held at home by Fulham on Saturday.
Simultaneously, Manchester United continued to march on with a routine win over Wigan Athletic and are now 4 points clear of Arsenal who are in second position. Some poor refereeing let United off the hook but they are certainly in pole position.
In a game of this stature, there are personal duels taking place all over the pitch. We have decided to look at some of the most vital players who, if won by either team, could result in 3 points for their respective team.
Fernando Torres v Nemanja Vidic
This one is a familiar battle for both of them. However, the difference will be the colour of the shirt Torres will be wearing this time around. The Spaniard has got the better of the United skipper on most occasions while at Liverpool, and he would feel
confident doing so again in a blue shirt.
However, Vidic has been United’s main man in the 2010-11 season and will need a world-class performance from Sergio García Fernández, who is capable coming on top. On the othe hand, Chelsea are a bit goal shy at the moment and if Torres ever wanted to score
a debut goal, Manchester United would have been the ideal team.
A winning goal here might go down well with the Liverpool fans who still hold pretty harsh feelings for their former No. 9.
Ashley Cole v Luis Nani
This will probably be the most exciting match up on the field Tuesday night. Nani has now 12 assists and has been involved in 33 of United’s goals in the 2010-11 season. At a time, when most of United’s midfield lack creativity and the cutting edge, Nani
has stepped up to the plate and performed well.
Cole is widely regarded at the best left back in the country and to keep the in-form Nani quiet will be a test for him. If Cole gets the better of the Portuguese than the number of chances that the Red devils create will be few and far between.
John Terry v Wayne Rooney
Sir Alex Ferguson sprung another surprise against Wigan Athletic when he decided to play Javier Hernandez along with Wayne Rooney in attack. Whether Berbatov was being rested for this big game remains a doubt as he has so often been on the bench against
the big boys as United play with Rooney on his own up front. Rooney has endured a terrible season but has scored 2 in his last 2 games.
Terry has been one of the better performers for Carlo Ancelotti during 2011. He will need to make sure that Rooney does not get enough time and space on the ball as he has the ability to strike the ball from distance and even run at defenders.
If both Berbatov and Hernandez are on the bench, Rooney will be the most likely source of goal for United. Therefore, keeping him quiet will be imperative.