padThis is what I would expect both managers to play. Fergie does like to play a 4 3 3 against us to match us in midfield but as his team are playing so well i can't imagine him to change. I do however think that tactically Chelsea have the upper hand here. Although Smalling has played very well at right back i can see Mata getting the better of him managing a cross into Torres. Ramires plays as a very energetic box to box midfielder and will distract the united defence to open up room for Torres and Sturridge. Lampard will also be heavily marked by Anderson meaning United's usually speedy counter attack will be slowed down heavily. Cole keeping Nani tied up most of the game as well as Rooney being heavily marked by Mikel may leave Welbeck ( or possibly Hernandez) without much service. The main weak point for Chelsea will be Bosingwa. Although he is a very talented player he has a tendency to neglect his defensive duties to storm up the right wing. Although this will provide space for Sturridge it will also leave Young with far too much room and one assumes he's a lot faster than Bosingwa. This could turn in our favour by keeping young back marking Bosingwa but it will leave him plenty of room to put a cross in for Welbeck or charge at our defence. This could in turn push Mikel back to help out and release Rooney. I see this game going to Chelsea though. With De Gea lacking confidence on long hots and Lampard Running in to strike from the edge of the box I'd say Lampard opens the scoring with Torres adding the second after United look for the equaliser. I can see them losing the ball to much. With Mikel marking Rooney we'll see the Welbeck coming deep to get it or it being pushed to the wings. Nani will lose the ball to Cole every time he tries to come down the right wing. With Cole winning the ball and sending it up to Mata, he can cross it in for Torres or cut in bringing Smalling with him passing to Lampard, Torres or back to Cole who can then exploit the space left by Smalling. Having said this I don't think it will be easy but I know it's will be entertaining.
29.08.2011
mojojojo101Personally I don't see Fergie sticking with Cleverley and Anderson for this game. I think this maybe the game in which Cleverley is withdrawn to make room for either Carrick or Fletcher to try and solidify the space in front of the back four which Lampard and Ramires will try to break in to.
I think this will be much harder than Chelsea think, Personally I think they have looked poor when teams have tried quick, sharp passing in the middle of the pitch, something which United have done excelently in the last 2 games.
However the physical threat offered by Chelsea will surely be a massive test for Jones or Evans... assuming that Ferdinand is fit, he will most likely play, Vidic will most likely still be out injured.
30.08.2011
