PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: MANCHESTER UNITED v CHELSEA On the weekend the clocks go back in the UK,as we continue to look forward to Sunday’s big game… TACTICAL BRIEF Even though Man United’s season under Louis van Gaal has not gone according to plan&they are 10points behind the league leaders in 6th,this remains a massive clash between 2 heavyweight clubs. One of the concerns for Van Gaal might be that the Londoners appear to have distinct advantages in power&height. In Monday’s 2-2 at the Hawthorns, Daley Blind (5ft 11in)&Rafael (5ft 8in) were handed marking duties on set plays. On average the team that started for United that evening was 3cm shorter than the men who lined up for Chelsea at Crystal Palace. On as a substitute (&playing in a more advanced role than under Moyes), Marouane Fellaini is the kind of player Van Gaal may have to consider to counter the Blues’ considerable aerial threat. A pointer as to Michael Carrick featuring after injury came on Friday night as Man United had an Under-21 game in which he played his 1st 64mins of the season. Like several teams this season,West Brom were able to find holes in United’s rearguard which,as with the Holland team at the World Cup,is asked to maintain a high line. A day later Chelsea showed our capacity to find&exploit space behind defences with pace&precision. Having taken Anders Herrera off at half-time&commented on his performance afterwards,Van Gaal is learning fast about the physical requirements of English football. If the midfielder is involved,reports are he will be wearing a corset to protect bruised ribs. Big Chelsea fan Luke Shaw still looked a little short of match fitness on his 3rd start at LB,in getting back from upfield on Sessegnon’s opener. Technically excellent Argentinean Marcos Rojo&former Blackburn man Phil Jones have been CB partners. Anyone who watched Brazil’s Willian running at Rojo when in the so-called ‘Superclasico de las Americas’ recently would love him to resume the duel this Sunday. The hosts have conceded 12goals in their 8 matches to date,even though the 3-5-2 plan of pre-season has been dropped in favour of a 4-1-4-1,with Blind the deep-lying midfielder. The tidy Dutchman is likely to find himself under duress from the likes of Oscar&Willian. United captain&talisman Wayne Rooney is suspended tomorrow,though Juan Mata will be trying to score against a side with whom he created so many happy memories. The big positive of the Mancunians’ chrysalis-stage squad is Angel Di Maria,whose incisive runs&crossing down the left have been hugely impressive. The Argentina intnl suffered a thigh strain on Monday,requiring an ice pack,but the Red Devils have reported him fit to feature. He is likely to be up against Branislav Ivanovic whose usual co-full-back,Cesar Azpilicueta,misses this game,Tuesday at Shrewsbury&QPR at home next weekend following his red card at Palace. The smart footwork in the opposition goal area that comes with his replacement,Filipe Luis,compensates for the loss of Azpilicueta’s slightly more resolute defending. It is not just Filipe Luis’s chance to shine that will be of interest to fans of his former side,Atletico. Each squad boasts a hugely successful striker&GK who were former darlings of the Vicente Calderon stadium. The excellent keepers,Thibaut Courtois&David De Gea,seem certain to start but Radamel Falcao was rested on Monday&Diego Costa has missed the last 2games. Loic Remy won’t be featuring following a premature end to his goalscoring performance vs Maribor. Even at 36,Didier Drogba will be pressing his case for game time against the opponent connected with his fondest FA Cup final memory. Last season Andre Schurrle played as the solo striker in this fixture. The German,who has missed games following illness,will need to find sang-froid in the decisive moments if selected – he never lacks in creating chances. Eden Hazard is also in the form of his life&enjoying the big stage. He made 1&scored vs Arsenal,&his work in the build-up to Schurrle’s opener at the Etihad was sensational. United will be mindful that Chelsea can score goals from anywhere. More than half the players who have figured in our Premier League campaign have hit the net – way more than any rival. Ramires&John Mikel Obi,often called upon in these situations,have a chance of being available for selection once more. Chelsea are seeking to extend our unbeaten run vs Man United to 7games in all competitions. The Red Devils have won 6 of their last 22 Premier League games against the Blues. #HAZARDOUS
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 06:04:46 +0000
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