Chelsea v Man Utd Preview

Posted on | February 5, 2012 | No Comments

For the past few years this would have been an absolutely massive game for both of these clubs, with both Chelsea and Man Utd seen as two of the regular title contenders. However, following the emergence of Manchester City, there is much more pressure on both of these sides and it appears as though Chelsea are already out of the race to claim top spot. United on the other hand still have everything to play for, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s men sat just three points behind league leaders City as they look to keep hold of their title.

It would be fair to say that Andre Villas-Boas’ debut season in English football hasn’t exactly gone as he would have wished, with Chelsea rarely making any serious advances towards top spot throughout the campaign. In fact, the Blues have been out of the title race for some time, and the fact they are already fifteen points behind the league leaders speaks volumes. Instead, their main aim simply must be Champions League qualification, which at the moment is certainly in their grasp. Villas-Boas’ men approach this clash with some poor form by their own standards, having drawn against newly-promoted Swansea and Norwich in their last two games. Their home form is at least picking up a little though, with the Stamford Bridge outfit winning their last two on their own turf.

Just like most teams in the Premier League, Man Utd’s season hasn’t been without its bad patches although it now looks as though the Old Trafford side are well and truly over theirs. Despite a shaky spell around the turn of the year, the Red Devils have made big improvements in recent weeks and approach this game having won their last three in the league. Their supporters will have been bitterly disappointed to have been knocked out of the FA Cup by fierce rivals Liverpool a couple of weeks ago, yet there is no doubt that their main aim is the Premier League title.

As for team news, after being in the headlines throughout the last week, John Terry has the chance to get out of the spotlight as a knee injury prevents him from featuring in this clash. His absence will probably pave the way for Gary Cahill to make his debut, although the Chelsea defence has been weakened further through Ashley Cole’s suspension. Man Utd on the other hand have several players returning to the reckoning, with Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Nani and Wayne Rooney all poised to take part in some capacity. On a more negative note, Anders Lindegaard has been ruled out with an ankle injury for the next six weeks and will be replaced by under-fire David de Gea.

With Manchester United having several players returning for this game, they appear to be very strong ahead of the clash. However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have not won at Stamford Bridge in ten years and with Chelsea possessing some reasonable home form at the moment, our tip will be a 1-1 score line.

Related posts:

1. Can Chelsea really win the title?
2. Manchester United vs Chelsea betting preview- 8 May 2011
3. Title talk should be put on hold at Chelsea
4. Bolton vs Chelsea 2011 betting preview
5. Chelsea vs Fulham – betting preview

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