Here’s a look at three reasons why Chelsea should hold on
to the precious three points.
1. Chelsea have just strengthened their midfield by
splashing out £21 million on former youth teamer Nemanja Matic. Matic’s arrival
means that Chelsea have plugged the only visible gap they had in an otherwise
outstanding midfield- they lacked a top-class defensive midfielder. With
Matic’s arrival, and his physical presence and tough tackling in midfield, it’ll
be difficult for opposition teams to exploit what had at times proved to be a
soft underbelly for Chelsea this season.
It’s hard to imagine that a player of Juan Mata’s caliber
could have to sit out of the team, but that is what is happening at present,
such has been the form of unstoppable attacking midfield duo Eden Hazard and
Oscar, both of whom have been scoring regularly. Ramires too has been
impressive in a dynamic, box-to-box role, along with the experience of Frank
Lampard. It’s hard to see United being able to cope with a midfield of this
quality, trickery and movement.
2. The ‘Special One’ has an outstanding record at the
Bridge- Chelsea have never conceded a goal in the 4 matches at Stamford Bridge
when the Blues have been under Jose Mourinho’s stewardship. In fact United have
failed to score in any of their last 3 matches against Chelsea and on top of
that, the Blues have won the last 10 of their 11 games at the Bridge. With that
kind of a record, it’s hard to argue a case for United, especially if Chelsea
manage yet another shutout this Sunday.
Mourinho realizes the importance of these potential
six-pointers, and the fact that points won and lost in matches between the big
six could be a decisive factor in what promises to be one of the toughest title
races in recent seasons. So far, Chelsea have won both home matches against
big-six opponents (2-1 against both Manchester City and Liverpool), and another
win will put them in pole position when the run for the title enter home
stretch in April-May
3. In the pre-match press conference earlier today,
Manchester United manager David Moyes confirmed that strikers Wayne Rooney and
Robin van Persie will miss the champions’ trip to Chelsea on Sunday. This will
come as a big blow to the Red Devils, who were undoubtedly hoping that the
strikers could regain their fitness back in time for the big game.
Rooney has been the most important player for United this
season, having scored 9 goals and created 40 chances in the Premier League this
season- Patrice Evra is a distant second having created 23 chances. Van Persie
has also been crucial, despite missing 9 of their last 10 league games, and is
their third highest scorer in the league with 7 goals. Taking away a total of
16 goals and 49 chances created from the team, really leaves it kind of thread
bare (stats as per squawka). The question is if United fail to create chances
and score goals, how will they win?
Culled from soccersouls
