Chelsea Blogs speak ahead of Old Trafford trip
It’s one of the most anticipated games in Prem history as one team is on the brink of winning a record 19th title and Chelsea, who were 15 points off the pace previously in the season, could complete a monumental comeback.
I decided to catch up with Chelsea Daft, The Chelsea Blog and Chidge from the Chelsea Football FanCast and ask for their thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s game.
1. There has been a lot of discussion about whether or not Chelsea should play a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 against Manchester United, which system do you think we should play and why?
Chelsea Daft: Chelsea need to stick with the old tried and trusted 4-3-3 for this one. We’ve tried the 4-4-2 with Nando and Drogba up front a couple of times and you can see gradually it’s getting better but, this is too much of a big game to give it another try. Chelsea play better in 4-3-3 as it suits the players. Drogba HAS TO lead the line, Malouda and Kalou to start either side of him. We have options on the bench to keep the pace of our attack at a good tempo in the last twenty minutes in Anelka and Torres if need be.
The Chelsea Blog: Whilst we can’t be totally gung-ho against a side like United, I’d say we should go for 4-3-3 or risk getting nothing from it at all. When we had our flying start to the season, that’s the formation we relied on, whilst our poor spell saw the formation fiddled about with. Yes, we’ve signed Torres but we know there’s no point playing Drogba and Torres together because they both want to be in the same space at the same time and piggy-back doesn’t work in football. As the old cliché goes – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Chidge: Definitely 4-3-3 we play at our best in this formation and this is no time to change it! Obviously on the presumption that we pick Drogba up front, which we should do on current form. Drogs is looking back on form, and playing him with Malouda and Anelka either side I think brings the best out of Lamps which is vital. Also, Mikel is playing very well at the mo holding it all together and giving balance to the midfield and again good for Lamps who looks to be getting back to form. Anyway we can still bring on Torres to finish Rio and Vidic off after Drogs has bullied them for 70 mins!
2. Where do you think the key battles will develop during the game?
Chelsea Daft: I am pin pointing two key players for Chelsea tonight and the first is David Luiz (posted here) He couldn’t play in the CL and has become vitally important for our back four. With him next to JT it forces Ivanovic out wide and we look better for it. Luiz being back in the side is key. Didier Drogba (read it here) is the second player. Drogba has a habit of scoring in recent times at Old Trafford and will look to give Vidic and Ferdinand the run around. He has to start the game. One other key point I want to make is that United are susceptible to dropping deep when defending in the box and never pick up the late run. If Drogba can get the ball wide and pull it back square, Lampard could have some joy in this one!
The Chelsea Blog: Potential key battles could be between Vidic and Drogba. Drogba has found a new lease of life since his starting position hasn’t been guaranteed and he’ll be wanting to assert that position again. Vidic is always one of United’s most consistent players and won’t shy away from the physical battle either.
An interesting battle for me will be Rooney and David Luiz. We missed Luiz sorely in our Champions League meetings and I’m sure Rooney will love our defender getting up close and personal again.
Chidge: Midfield – Fergie quite often packs it against us so it will be tough to break them down unless we get wide and forward quickly. Good that Fletcher not playing but we need to deal with Park and Giggs pushing up on Brana and Ash. Rooney was superb against us in the CL so we need to stop him pulling all the strings, but we’ve got Luiz back to kick him all over OT and I hope he does!!! Utd only need a draw whereas we have to win so I suspect Fergie to be cautious which may help if we can take the game to them. Frank and Drogs are going to be key here!
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3. Howard Webb has been involved in a few controversial moments in the past at Old Trafford that have favoured the home side, are we concerned by his appointment?
Chelsea Daft: I was concerned by his appointment but I have to say with all the coverage of his appointment and the pressure he is under, he will try and let the game flow and should have a decent game.
The Chelsea Blog: Well it’s never easy playing against 12 men is it? Seriously though, part of me is quite glad he’s the ref in an ironic sort of way. They complain about ref’s favouring us so often, this time it’s almost as if the FA have let Fergie hand pick who he wants – I just hope he’s the quietest man on the field. I still would’ve preferred Atkinson!
Chidge: No more than any other ref to be honest. Most ref’s at OT get influenced by 70’000 screaming muppets with Japanese and Surrey voices and one very loud Scottish one!!! These games usually turn on a controversial decision – like last year – I just hope it goes our way and we get a bit of luck – like last year!!!
4. Finally, can we get your prediction on the score/result?
Chelsea Daft: Chelsea to open up United like Liverpool did and win the game by two goals and go top of the League. 3-1 (Drogba, Lampard, Torres).
The Chelsea Blog: My footballing superstitions never allow me to predict scores or results but at an overall guess I’d say there’ll be plenty of feathers ruffled but only one set preening itself at the final whistle.
Chidge: 2-1 to the Chels. Drogba and a Lamps penalty. Although I’d love it, I’d just love it if JT scored the winner to shut up all the Manc scum and their oh-so-funny ‘Viva John Terry’ song. But 3-1 would be greedy wouldn’t it?
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