Manchester United v Chelsea, Sunday 4pm kick off, Old Trafford

Blatter · 15-09-2011 12:02am #1

Man Utd team news; Vidic misses out again through injury, Welbeck may be fit but is not in contention to start. Ferdinand expected to return to the starting line up after not travelling with the rest of the squad to Portugal. de Gea, Jones, Young, Nani, Anderson and Hernandez also expected to be restored to United's starting eleven. Carrick is set to start in place of the injured Tom Cleverley.

Chelsea team news; Drogba has been ruled out after concussion. David Luiz will compete against Ivanovic for a place beside John Terry should Bosingwa retain his position at RB as expected. is also an Three of Meireles, Mikel, Lampard and Ramires should be start in midfield. Three of Torres, Anelka, Mata, Malouda and Sturridge should spearhead Chelsea's attack.

Line up predictions;

de Gea

Smalling

Ferdinand

Evans

Evra

Nani

Anderson

Carrick

Young

Rooney

Chicharito

Torres

Mata

Sturridge

Lampard

Ramires

Meireles

Cole

Terry

Ivanovic

Bosingwa

Cech

I can see Evans starting at centre half for United but I hope it's one of Jones or Smalling with the other one at RB.

It's 50:50 whether Torres starts for Chelsea imo.

Should be a good game.

MUSEIST · 15-09-2011 12:19am

G'wan the chelsea.

Torres will start IMO as drogba is injured. Utd will be firm favourites for this but I like it going in as the underdogs:D:D

Utd will shade it

Panthro · 15-09-2011 12:21am

I'd be hoping to see:

Cech

Bosingwa---Ivanovic---Terry----Cole

Mikel

Ramires

Meireles---
Sturridge

Mata

Torres

Blatter · 15-09-2011 12:24am

Panthro wrote: »

I'd be hoping to see:
Cech
Bosingwa---Ivanovic---Terry----Cole
Mikel
Ramires
Meireles---
Sturridge
Mata
Torres

No Lampard? I'd say that's highly unlikely seeing as he was rested along with Terry on Tuesday. I presume Ramires will start also so it will be a question of Meireles or Mikel?

Panthro · 15-09-2011 12:32am

Blatter wrote: »

No Lampard? I'd say that's highly unlikely seeing as he was rested along with Terry on Tuesday. I presume Ramires will start also so it will be a question of Meireles or Mikel?

That's true, its difficult to second guess what AVB thinks, and we've seen that he is not afraid to drop the big names, so its difficult to predict the team. Hes got plenty of options thankfully.

GavRedKing · 15-09-2011 7:59am

Its difficult to predict the Chelsea starting line up, its close between Ivanovic and Luiz as to who will partner JT, I'd personally go with Luiz, hes more monile then Ivanovic but could do anything at anytime.

Mikel or Meirles is a difficult one also, Mikel would no doubt offer better protection, but I'd rather go to OT and try and impose ourselves on Utd then sitting back, thus playing Meirles.

Upfront with Drogba out Torres should start, we will have Anelka, Kalou, Lukaku ready to step in if Torres doesnt perform.

What I'd like to see :

Cech

Bosingwa

Luiz

JT

Cole

Ramires

Meirles

Lamps

----Sturridge

Mata

Torres

Hoping we can get a draw but if we dont its not the end of the season.

Prediction 1 -1

Corvo · 15-09-2011 8:18am

I think that if Chelsea come out of this game with a decent result (i.e. a draw or win) then it will be down to three players:

David Luiz, who will have to be on top form to stop Hernandez sprinting in behind, especially as Terry will not be dealt the task of dealing with him.

Meireles, who is very clever with the ball and can recycle possession well. Though with Mikel not offering anything in the creative department, Anderson might be able to keep him under-wraps.

Sturridge, who should be able to exploit the very sleepy Evra.

Saying that, I think we should be too fresh and our movement too quick for the Blues and I can see us winning 2-1 or 2-0. Hernandez at the double

Essien · 15-09-2011 10:02am

I haven't seen United at all this season but the results and in particular the amount of goals can't be argued with.

They seem to be in impressive form and we are just not.

I'm hopeful but thats about it really.

flahavaj · 15-09-2011 10:06am

Will be a close game. I think if Chelsea hadn't made the signings they did at the end of the window they looked a very ordinary and pedestrian side and I'd have been confident of a win. But in Meireles and Mata they have added two difference makers who'll transform the team's playing style and with Sturridge back from suspension he adds a bit of pace and skill on the right. Whoever plays RB be it Smalling and Jones will get a great test from Mata.

There won't be much in this. As always there's the fear that this'll be the game in which Torres decides to remember how to score.

Corvo · 15-09-2011 10:44am

flahavaj wrote: »

As always there's the fear that this'll be the game in which Torres decides to remember how to score.

I wouldn't hold my breath!

GavRedKing · 15-09-2011 10:52am

flahavaj wrote: »

Will be a close game. I think if Chelsea hadn't made the signings they did at the end of the window they looked a very ordinary and pedestrian side and I'd have been confident of a win. But in Meireles and Mata they have added two difference makers who'll transform the team's playing style and with Sturridge back from suspension he adds a bit of pace and skill on the right. Whoever plays RB be it Smalling and Jones will get a great test from Mata.

There won't be much in this. As always there's the fear that this'll be the game in which Torres decides to remember how to score.

Agreed Flah, if we didnt sign Mata or Meirles there would be a large gap between ourselves and both Manchester clubs.

On Torres, I dont think hes forgot, its just nothing is going his way, had a goal ruled out against Bayer which could have been 50/50 ( IMO it was correctly ruled out though ) and the keeper made a good save from him at his feet from about 8 yards, his play was good but if i was a Utd fan I wouldnt be aiming to stop Torres but stopping the play upto him e.g. Sturridge, Mata, Meirles, Ramires.

If Utd rule the midfield and smother us and slow us down, they will walk this game 2-0 but if our midfield 3 have a good game, playing quick balls and switching the play id be confident of a draw.

Cant wait now.

thebison · 15-09-2011 11:21am

Key battles imo will be:

Evra vs Sturridge
Luiz vs Rooney

Terry vs Hernandez

Torres vs Rio

Hope Luiz plays. For all his rashness, he's worth keeping as seen on Tuesday!

SlickRic · 15-09-2011 11:27am

Chelsea have nobody obvious who can handle Rooney bar maybe Ivanovic; but once Rooney drops back into midfield, i just see him dominating with the form he's in right now.

Utd win for me.

3-1.

Nalz · 15-09-2011 11:34am

flahavaj wrote: »

As always there's the fear that this'll be the game in which Torres decides to remember how to score.

I felt like that when I went over for the CL game last year... he played well Tuesday night so the chances of this happening increases imo

More worried about Mata to be honest

TheTownie · 15-09-2011 11:40am

Mata is a drifter so I don't see any one Utd player having to deal with him rather the team collectively will have to restrict his time on the ball.

Johner · 15-09-2011 11:45am

Be interesting to see how AVB lines up, we have a great record at Old Trafford and I would take a draw now but my head says United might just have too much for us this weekend, 2-1 to them.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero · 15-09-2011 1:02pm

Would be surprised if United didn't win this. United are bang in form whereas Chelsea have been uninspiring. United by 2 or more for me.

IamtheWalrus · 15-09-2011 1:08pm

I expect a game as easy as the last time the teams met last season.

SlickRic · 15-09-2011 1:18pm

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

I expect a game as easy as the last time the teams met last season.

and you've just reminded me why as much as i think Utd will win, i really hope they lose.

Leiva · 15-09-2011 1:26pm

Im afraid i can see an easy win for UTD .

Chelsea will concede and really need to not drop the head ...if they go a goal down and still are biting then maybe a draw .

IamtheWalrus · 15-09-2011 1:39pm

SlickRic wrote: »

and you've just reminded me why as much as i think Utd will win, i really hope they lose.

Maybe not the most appropriate term Mr. P Edant. I foresee.

SlickRic · 15-09-2011 1:48pm

to be fair, as pedantic as i came across, i think, including myself, we're all underestimating Chelsea slightly.

i can't see a game against Chelsea ever being easy if Chelsea are up for it; they have too many good players.

handling Rooney and the positions he takes up will be key though.

Crazy Horse 6 · 15-09-2011 1:54pm

Chelsea's lack of firepower in front of goal will be a big problem for this game. I can see United running out easy winners. 3-0

Lukker- · 15-09-2011 2:02pm

This is United's first real test of the season IMO.

SlickRic · 15-09-2011 2:05pm

Crazy Horse 6 wrote: »

Chelsea's lack of firepower in front of goal will be a big problem for this game. I can see United running out easy winners. 3-0

Torres (don't laugh), Sturridge, Mata, Anelka, and Lampard are all plenty of firepower.

firepower won't be the problem IMO; it's gaining control of midfield and crowding out the supply down the wings; which is why Rooney must be shackled, as he is most of the reason Utd's midfield has been so fluid so far this season.

flahavaj · 15-09-2011 2:06pm

People are way underestimating Chelsea here and how much better they are and will be with Meireles, Mata and Sturridge in the side. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they came to OT and won, they have a great record there over the years and have no fear of the place, unlike 95% of teams that come and play there.

MUSEIST · 15-09-2011 2:08pm

Crazy Horse 6 wrote: »

Chelsea's lack of firepower in front of goal will be a big problem for this game. I can see United running out easy winners. 3-0

To be fair chelsea have more firepower now than last season, mata and sturidge in particular will give chelsea pace and movement. I expect utd to win but it won't be as comfortable as some think. 2-1 to utd

flahavaj · 15-09-2011 2:09pm

SlickRic wrote: »

Torres (don't laugh), Sturridge, Mata, Anelka, and Lampard are all plenty of firepower.

firepower won't be the problem IMO; it's gaining control of midfield and crowding out the supply down the wings; which is why Rooney must be shackled, as he is most of the reason Utd's midfield has been so fluid so far this season.

Anderson deserves just as much credit for this. He's playing out of his skin and offers mobility, ability to carry the ball forward, one touch passing and ability to inject pace into the game that none of our other midfielders do. I just hope he can keep it up and stays injury free. Hopefully he's having the breakout season this year that Nani had last season.

GavRedKing · 15-09-2011 2:14pm

With Vidic out i'd love if we had Drogab available, even if he ddint start he would have been our best option from the bench. Thats why I hope that Lukaku gets some game time, he offers something different when compared to Torres and Anelka and could cause Utd problems if Chelsea want to switch up the play.

SlickRic · 15-09-2011 2:17pm

flahavaj wrote: »

Anderson deserves just as much credit for this. He's playing out of his skin and offers mobility, ability to carry the ball forward, one touch passing and ability to inject pace into the game that none of our other midfielders do. I just hope he can keep it up and stays injury free. Hopefully he's having the breakout season this year that Nani had last season.

he deserves credit, absolutely, but without Rooney functioning as the fulcrum it wouldn't work as well.

it's like a Messi-less Barca.

it's still excellent, to a point. but Rooney is the spark that sets fire to it all.

which is why shackling Rooney, or at least the supply to him, and thus cutting down the supply to the wings in advanced positions, would go a long way to lessening the threat.

flahavaj · 15-09-2011 2:21pm

SlickRic wrote: »

he deserves credit, absolutely, but with Rooney functioning as the fulcrum it wouldn't work as well.

it's like a Messi-less Barca.

it's still excellent, to a point. but Rooney is the spark that sets fire to it all.

which is why shackling Rooney, or at least the supply to him, and thus cutting down the supply to the wings in advanced positions, would go a long way to lessening the threat.

Agreed. I think a major part of cutting down that supply to Rooney would be subduing Anderson's effervesence though ultimately (what a word :pac:).

Leiva · 15-09-2011 2:26pm

flahavaj wrote: »

Agreed. I think a major part of cutting down that supply to Rooney would be subduing Anderson's effervesence though ultimately (what a word :pac:).

Correct .

Game will be won and lost in midfield .

Im really interested to see how AVB goes about things . If the hype is to be believed then his reading of the game and formations are of the highest order .
Looking forward to see how he lays out his team to contain and counter UTD

HITMANHEALY · 15-09-2011 2:32pm

I would have fletch in the middle ahead of carrick, he's been useless, saying that one of his best games last year was against chelsea, he just slows down the game.

HI think United will win this one, Chelsea are not up to much, the threat is there, but I think Rooney and Chico will give Terry an awful time

JimsAlterEgo · 15-09-2011 3:06pm

If Terry and Luiz are CBs for Chelsea ,cant see both finishing the game

VW 1 · 15-09-2011 3:17pm

flahavaj wrote: »

People are way underestimating Chelsea here and how much better they are and will be with Meireles, Mata and Sturridge in the side. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they came to OT and won, they have a great record there over the years and have no fear of the place, unlike 95% of teams that come and play there.

Flah getting the work in for Sunday early I see

Im really looking forward to seeing our form thus far tested and hopefully putting those who have been saying we are only doing it against small fry teams in their place.

That said it wont be an easy ride by any means, although we have been tremendous going forward, Chelsea have added a lot of bite and firepower. Torres has been showing all of the signs of getting back to form, as well as Mata looking fit and hungry. Meireles will add the bite and movement to the supply from midfield, and lets not forget the pace and power which Sturridge brings to the table.

Key battles in this game for me will be;

Mata v Jones/Smalling (whoever is chosen to play at RB)
Rooney v Luiz/Terry/Ivanovic
As well as Young/Nani v Bosingwa/Ivanovic/Ashley Cole

Lining up to be an absolute cracker of a game, hopefully it will be end to end entertaining stuff no matter the outcome.

For me, United just shade it but we must give this Chelsea team the respect they deserve.

flahavaj · 15-09-2011 3:21pm

VW 1 wrote: »

Flah getting the work in for Sunday early I see

Im really looking forward to seeing our form thus far tested and hopefully putting those who have been saying we are only doing it against small fry teams in their place.

That said it wont be an easy ride by any means, although we have been tremendous going forward, Chelsea have added a lot of bite and firepower. Torres has been showing all of the signs of getting back to form, as well as Mata looking fit and hungry. Meireles will add the bite and movement to the supply from midfield, and lets not forget the pace and power which Sturridge brings to the table.

Key battles in this game for me will be;

Mata v Jones/Smalling (whoever is chosen to play at RB)
Rooney v Luiz/Terry/Ivanovic
As well as Young/Nani v Bosingwa/Ivanovic/Ashley Cole

Lining up to be an absolute cracker of a game, hopefully it will be end to end entertaining stuff no matter the outcome.

For me, United just shade it but we must give this Chelsea team the respect they deserve.

I haven't the stamina for another season of jinxing, someone else will have to take over.:pac:

I just think the Chelsea team is far better than a lot seem to be giving them credit for. People see, to be judging them on last season'd for or the frst couple of games this season, but in reality the newcomers and Sturridge have transformed them. It'll be a really hard game. Mata in particular is one to watch, he'll be a relatively unknown quantity to a lot of PL defences.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero · 15-09-2011 3:22pm

Shame this game is clashing with the AI final. In Dublin this Sunday so if the Dubs win I'll be hitting the beer rapido:D

Blatter · 15-09-2011 3:27pm

flahavaj wrote: »

I haven't the stamina for another season of jinxing, someone else will have to take over.:pac:

I just think the Chelsea team is far better than a lot seem to be giving them credit for. People see, to be judging them on last season'd for or the frst couple of games this season, but in reality the newcomers and Sturridge have transformed them. It'll be a really hard game. Mata in particular is one to watch, he'll be a relatively unknown quantity to a lot of PL defences.

I seem to remember you talking up Arsenal's chances at OT aswell, and we all know what happened there;):p

I tend to agree with you that this particular game will be alot closer than what some people expect though.

flahavaj · 15-09-2011 3:30pm

Blatter wrote: »

I seem to remember you talking up Arsenal's chances at OT aswell, and we all know what happened there;):p

I tend to agree with you that this particular game will be alot closer than what some people expect though.

I respect all opponents Blatter.;)

GavRedKing · 15-09-2011 3:34pm

VW 1 wrote: »

Flah getting the work in for Sunday early I see

Im really looking forward to seeing our form thus far tested and hopefully putting those who have been saying we are only doing it against small fry teams in their place.

That said it wont be an easy ride by any means, although we have been tremendous going forward, Chelsea have added a lot of bite and firepower. Torres has been showing all of the signs of getting back to form, as well as Mata looking fit and hungry. Meireles will add the bite and movement to the supply from midfield, and lets not forget the pace and power which Sturridge brings to the table.

Key battles in this game for me will be;

Mata v Jones/Smalling (whoever is chosen to play at RB)
Rooney v Luiz/Terry/Ivanovic
As well as Young/Nani v Bosingwa/Ivanovic/Ashley Cole

Lining up to be an absolute cracker of a game, hopefully it will be end to end entertaining stuff no matter the outcome.

For me, United just shade it but we must give this Chelsea team the respect they deserve.

Good post, can see Utd winning it given the early performances and that they're at home but I woudlnt be too surprised if we picked up a point either.

At the end of the day, not much will seperate both teams at the end of 90 minutes I reckon.

nullzero · 15-09-2011 4:19pm

If Evans is in the side Cheslea have a chance of getting a result.
He's a player who has a clanger in him especially against top opposition, even Cardozo made him look dopey last night.

This is United's first big test of the season so it's definitely going to be an interesting one. Most likely 1-1.

Sgt Pepper 64 · 15-09-2011 4:51pm

Loving all the super confidence of the Man U supporters - we may as well not turn up eh?
Just like you thought about Benfica

Footballs a funny old game

GavRedKing · 16-09-2011 7:43am

Sgt Pepper 64 wrote: »

Loving all the super confidence of the Man U supporters - we may as well not turn up eh?
Just like you thought about Benfica

Footballs a funny old game

TBF its about 50% think they'll turn us over 3-0 and the other 50% are given us a decent chance to get a result.

What i will say is it will be closer then most people are making it out to be.

As well as this been Utd's first real test its also AVB first test as a manager of Chelsea. His tactics and management will be under the microscope more so for this game.

Bring it on. :cool:

BERBA · 16-09-2011 7:48am

i fancy utd to win well on sunday

Giruilla · 16-09-2011 8:08am

Hope berbatov features at some stage and hope carrick doesnt feature at any stage.

jaykay74 · 16-09-2011 9:50am

Expect a tough game for Utd. Would like to see Fletch and Anderson in midfield. Young and Nani. Hope Evans is on the bench with Evra, Jones, Rio & Smalling at the back and Chico and Rooney up top.

Ush1 · 16-09-2011 9:51am

Wanna see Mata announce himself properly in England. Give me a reason to watch Chelsea ffs. I can only watch how suave Villas Boas is for so long.

Caveman1 · 16-09-2011 10:00am

It's gonna be really interesting how both teams line up because so far united have went for all out attack but I think fergie will know to be more cautious against Chelsea, I think there's gonna be a good few goals in this so my prediction is a longshot but 3-2 Chelsea