Chelsea vs. Manchester United

[buckooo1978]

Knowing Manchester United quite a lot now, I think both Rooney and Van Persie will be ready for this match...

Moyes doing it in SAF's way? Who wants to bet?

was just thinking the same

I dont think Moyes will risk them but if they are ready it would be such a lift

 

[humdinger]

We can get something from this if we aren't too negative. If we sit back and invite pressure into us then we will probably lose as we seem to be unable to keep up concentration for 90 minutes.

I think it'll be a low scoring game and we won't be able to keep a clean sheet. I'll predict a 1-1 scoreline.

 

[bosnian_red]

Knowing Manchester United quite a lot now, I think both Rooney and Van Persie will be ready for this match...

Moyes doing it in SAF's way? Who wants to bet?

Can't see us rushing back RVP because the reason he's out now is because we rushed him back last time and made the injury worse. Rooney I think will play though.

 

[Nick 0208 Ldn]

If the Guardian's article this evening is accurate in the least then it would appear that Rooney is out of Sunday's match [maybe a doubt for the Arsenal clash at this rate].

In that light i am no longer so confident that we'll see both Danny an Hernandez starting this one.

Is Nani fit by the way? We might need to use him as an improvised forward if we pick up any more knocks amongst our strikers.

 

[bosnian_red]

If the Guardian's article this evening is accurate in the least then it would appear that Rooney is out of Sunday's match [maybe a doubt for the Arsenal clash at this rate].

In that light i am no longer so confident that we'll see both Danny an Hernandez starting this one.

Is Nani fit by the way? We might need to use him as an improvised forward if we pick up any more knocks amongst our strikers.

Physioroom says no return date for Nani, so it's a bit of an unknown case like RVP I'm guessing.

 

[Ronaldo's Mum Eh?]

To start Rooney or not on my fantasy team - that is the question.


It sounds like Rooney won't make the game.

 

[Ash_G]

I think as in most our big games for us the biggest thing is who plays between midfield/Striker and how they play there. Whoever it is for me needs to play as a third midfielder being able to help Carrick/Fletch out but also start attacks and get in to the box. Choices are Clev, Giggs, Kagawa and potentially Rooney. For me it's got to be one of the latter two and with the time he's spent out I think unless we're bluffing on Rooney and he's been doing some good training, that we should go for Kagawa and get him to play just ahead of Carrick/Fletch. Clev for me would have the energy but doesn't have the attacking ability and Giggs has neither looked good recently nor is particularly reliable there in the tight games.

I'm not worried about Carrick/Fletch competing against Lampard and well I guess Matic if he's fit to come straight in, but it's Oscar/Hazard coming centrally that's the issue, that's why we need a third guy there who can give them another option and make it so that Lamps/Matic can't just keep their position. It's the trap we tend to fall in to against a lot of sides with only Arsenal seeming the team we make the allowance for.

Other then that team really picks itself aside I guess at centreback. That's a tough one really. Don't want to leave your captain out but with Chelsea's direct runners Vidic might not be the best shout. I suppose if Rooney is fit that could lead to maybe Welbeck going wide over Valencia but I don't think you take Welbeck out from up front right now, especially as it can take time for Rooney to get his scoring touch.

 

[Vato]

When will Van Persie be fit again?

 

[Salfordlad70]

Nevermind RvP, I would love nothing more than to have Jones fit for this game! RvP would be a huge tonic though given Rooney's predicted absense!

 

[Barney]

I think you lot can manage a point here. I hope so anyway.

You're hoping for the title then?

 

[Barney]

It's Mourinho's Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The form book is behind 10 inches of bullet proof glass, it's not going out any window.

I'm expecting a performance but I don't think it'll be enough to get a result. Chelsea will win in their usual soul-destroying, machine-like fashion.

I like the analogy.

 

[Barney]

DDG always puts in top performances these days. At least we will be treated to the two best Goalkeepers in the league facing off!

Did you sign a replacement for Cech or something? He's not one of the two best in the league this season.

 

[Ronaldo's Mum Eh?]

Guardian saying Rooney could be out for 3 more weeks!

 

[ItsEssexRob]

Did you sign a replacement for Cech or something? He's not one of the two best in the league this season.

Come on lets be honest overall he is. Hes not the best shot stopper, that goes to DDG. but in terms of reliability, presence, distribution hes been at the top this season with DDG probably now the number 1. I guess it could be argued Sczezny has been very close too, Mignolet was closer but has had some issues.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

I would go unchagned from the second half on Saturday... unless Joens is back. I doubt if Rooney is available he'll be over 90% fit, thus I wouldn't play him... same with RVP.

 

[adamwest]

I would go unchagned from the second half on Saturday... unless Joens is back. I doubt if Rooney is available he'll be over 90% fit, thus I wouldn't play him... same with RVP.

Definitely. That lineup conjured up the best football we've seen this season from United. They have to be given the opportunity to do the same again.

This is of course assuming Rooney and RVP aren't fit. If one or both are fit it goes without saying they play.

 

[ItsEssexRob]

Definitely. That lineup conjured up the best football we've seen this season from United. They have to be given the opportunity to do the same again.

This is of course assuming Rooney and RVP aren't fit. If one or both are fit it goes without saying they play.

Dont these two lines kind of contradict each other?

 

[Decotron]

Fletcher header 1-0. Lets party like its 2005!!!

 

[Gerald G]

With no Rooney and van Persie and I'm feeling pretty pessimistic. I see a 2-0 victory for Chelsea but really hope I'm wrong. Last season we might not have had the strongest midfield but we had arguably the best forwards in the league and that would make the difference. Now both are injured it's going to be a real struggle.

We've got to play on the counter and hope we take our chances when they come our way. I'd be satisfied with a draw but see a Chelsea 2-0 win. I hope I'm wrong.

De Gea
Rafael--Smalling--Vidic--Evra
Carrick--Fletcher
Valencia--Kagawa--Januzaj
Welbeck

Wouldn't be surprised if Moyes took out one of Kagawa or Januzaj and started with Cleverley/Jones or Fellaini.

 

[adamwest]

Dont these two lines kind of contradict each other?

Quite possibly, but that wasn't my intention. Basically, if RVP or Rooney are fit they have to play even at the expense of breaking up the team that played in the second half on Saturday.

Playing Chelsea away is a completely different animal to playing Swansea at home after all.

 

[Havak]

Valencia scoring against Swansea might be more of a problem in terms of team selection for this game. He is the one player who has the most pros/cons IMO as to whether he should play or not. On one hand, the goals he has scored this season might make people forget how average his overall play has been, he probably has the most uncompleted cross ratio in the league. However, he still does beat his man and eventually he's going to find a United player in the box if we can commit players fast enough. He will also help out Rafael with Hazard and usually gets the better of Cole against Chelsea, even if it doesn't lead to a victory. I think the fact he scored and that he will do his defensive duty will mean he is going to play on Sunday, no matter how much some fans don't want him to.

Welbeck is in his best scoring form ever, so he's not going to be dropped and I doubt we'd see something like Januzaj dropped for Rooney to play in the middle with Welbeck on the left (and Valencia on the right). Making way for Cleverley or Giggs to drop into midfield with Carrick and Fletcher. If Rooney makes it back, I'm sure it'll be Kagawa who is replaced. I don't think we'll see van Persie here either.

de Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Fletcher, Carrick; Valencia, Kagawa, Januzaj; Welbeck

Is the most likely line-up unless Rooney is fit.

We could play out of our skin here and still only get a draw though I reckon, so it's going to be a tough few weeks to get back in real contention of the top four. A win here would be huge if we got it, but I can only see at best a draw.

 

[Gerald G]

Valencia scoring against Swansea might be more of a problem in terms of team selection for this game. He is the one player who was the most pros/cons IMO as to whether he should play or not. On one hand, the goals he has scored this season might make people forget how average his overall play has been, he probably has the most uncompleted cross ratio in the league. However, he still does beat his man and eventually he's going to find a United player in the box if we can commit players fast enough. He will also help out Rafael with Hazard and usually gets the better of Cole against Chelsea, even if it doesn't lead to a victory. I think the fact he scored and that he will do his defensive duty will mean he is going to play on Sunday, no matter how much some fans don't want him to.

Welbeck is in his best scoring form ever, so he's not going to be dropped and I doubt we'd see something like Januzaj dropped for Rooney to play in the middle with Welbeck on the left (and Valencia on the right). Making way for Cleverley or Giggs to drop into midfield with Carrick and Fletcher. If Rooney makes it back, I'm sure it'll be Kagawa who is replaced. I don't think we'll see van Persie here either.

de Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Fletcher, Carrick; Valencia, Kagawa, Januzaj; Welbeck

Is the most likely line-up unless Rooney is fit.

We could play out of our skin here and still only get a draw though I reckon, so it's going to be a tough few weeks to get back in real contention of the top four. A win here would be huge if we got it, but I can only see at best a draw.

Spot on mate.

 

[Devil may care]

I think a draw without Rooney would be a great result at this juncture.

 

[Sassy Colin]

If Rooney is back, then leave out Valencia and put Welbeck & Januzaj on the wings with Kagawa behind him. The rest the same as last time.

I believe we may have a decent chance of a result like that.

 

[Nick 0208 Ldn]

For all that he scored against Swansea Valencia's general performance in the second half wasn't a sufficient improvement to recommend his starting on Sunday, and if Jones is fit it shouldn't even be a debate.

 

[Sassy Colin]

For all that he scored against Swansea Valencia's general performance in the second half wasn't a sufficient improvement to recommend his starting on Sunday, and if Jones is fit it shouldn't even be a debate.

3 man midfield of Carrick, Jones & Fletcher? Never going to happen with Moyes, although it might give us a good chance of securing the midfield.

 

[Shane88]

Fletcher header 1-0. Lets party like its 2005!!!

I remember being ecstatic about that win even though I think it only narrowed the gap to something like 10 points at the time.

 

[bosnian_red]

Definitely. That lineup conjured up the best football we've seen this season from United. They have to be given the opportunity to do the same again.

This is of course assuming Rooney and RVP aren't fit. If one or both are fit it goes without saying they play.

Are you talking about just the league games? Even then we played better against Aston villa. It was a decent performance but nowhere near the games against Leverkusen and a few others.

 

[Nick 0208 Ldn]

3 man midfield of Carrick, Jones & Fletcher? Never going to happen with Moyes, although it might give us a good chance of securing the midfield.

If we can't get a goal then at least we stand a good chance of holding them off to secure the draw, or if we do grab an early goal we might just be able to defend that lead.

Objectively however and with recent history as a guide, Valencia will most likely be in the starting XI.

I remember being ecstatic about that win even though I think it only narrowed the gap to something like 10 points at the time.

It was a win that carried a lot of symbolism as much as anything.

Keane's infamous MUTV rant against the young players at the club took place barely a week before the match. Chelsea were in the middle of an impressive run as i recall and the media had accordingly marked United for slaughter.

It was marvellous, shades of the team stood fast to end Arsenal's record.

 

[Ash_G]

3 man midfield of Carrick, Jones & Fletcher? Never going to happen with Moyes, although it might give us a good chance of securing the midfield.

Yeah but there's no one to really break forward from there, we'd be even more dependent on Valencia pulling his weight in attack. Carrick and Fletch/Jones can match Lamps and whoever they play with him, it's Oscar who's the spare man, if our am, kagawa/rooney drop as he does then it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Sassy Colin]

Yeah but there's no one to really break forward from there, we'd be even more dependent on Valencia pulling his weight in attack. Carrick and Fletch/Jones can match Lamps and whoever they play with him, it's Oscar who's the spare man, if our am, kagawa/rooney drop as he does then it shouldn't be an issue.

Valencia wouldn't be playing though, Welbeck, Kagawa, Januzaj in a fluid front 3, Fletcher to provide the link ahead of Jones & Carrick.

 

[Ash_G]

Valencia wouldn't be playing though, Welbeck, Kagawa, Januzaj in a fluid front 3, Fletcher to provide the link ahead of Jones & Carrick.

I dunno if this would be the game to test out a front 3 like that, we've not seen it before and when Kagawa has had to play from wide he's struggled. Also as well as Fletcher has done since his return he doesn't seem to have the burst of energy needed to play in that link role, so you'd think it'd be Jones having to give that burst, which again for me isn't ideal. I see the appeal of 3 midfielders but I think one of them needs to be a good attacking player.

 

[Sassy Colin]

I dunno if this would be the game to test out a front 3 like that, we've not seen it before and when Kagawa has had to play from wide he's struggled. Also as well as Fletcher has done since his return he doesn't seem to have the burst of energy needed to play in that link role, so you'd think it'd be Jones having to give that burst, which again for me isn't ideal. I see the appeal of 3 midfielders but I think one of them needs to be a good attacking player.

We're fecked then, basically?

 

[Irwinwastheking]

Had a gander on The Shed End last night. feck me they are cock sure that they are going to hammer us. 3-0's getting thrown around like confetti. I know we're in a bad place at the minute but I don't think we ever had people here prediction 3 nil wins en masse against a top side.

 

[Keenst]

Hopefully their players have similar ideas in their heads. I really wouldn't be surprised if we won this. Can't wait.

 

[Irwinwastheking]

--------------DDG
Raf - Evans/Smalling - Vidic - Evra
-------Carrick - Fletcher
Young/Valencia - Kagawa - Januzaj
------------Welbeck


It's really got to be this hasn't it. Keeping three in the middle and keeping them on the back foot as much as is possible will be essential. Danny will as always give loads of tracking and work form the top, Carrick and Fletcher can keep it tight and cover the back 4 - Kagawa can help them out and provide that much needed passing intricacy that we will need to get a goal. The back 4 will be strong apart from the normal issue of Evra falling asleep. Against these lads that could really cost us because they have some of the best passers of a through ball in the league and that ball in between Vidic and Evra with the player running around behind Evra to collect could be costly for us.

Not hugely confident of getting anything here but a draw would be a good result and if we were to sneak a win it would be the result of the season by a mile!

 

[SATA]

I really think RvP will be on the bench for this. Rooney won't make it in time, and probably saving him for the cup semi final next week

 

[Irwinwastheking]

I really think RvP will be on the bench for this. Rooney won't make it in time, and probably saving him for the cup semi final next week

The reports today are the Rooney is out for another three weeks. Dunno if it's true or not. If it is we'd miss him for the cup game against Sunderland and two more league games against Stoke and Cardiff. Honestly, apart from this game, if we are going to lose him it's not a bad period to do so in.

 

[Ash_G]

We're fecked then, basically?

Not really, I'm quite optimistic if we use same team as against Swansea. Just needs Kagawa to start centrally, with januzaj wide and then have him play as an a/m rather than alongside Welbeck/just off him. Like I said Carrick +Fletch/Jones against Lampard and Ramires/Matic, isn't for me the worry, it's about how oscar will play compared to our 3rd man. If kagawa/Rooney drops like he will so it's even there, then whilst Chelsea still have the edge being at home and having atm overall better/more in form players in key areas, we'd still be able to give them a game and have attacking ability.

If our 3rd man though plays too high or we bring in a clev/giggs who won't give us the right balance there imo then we could struggle more.

 

[adamwest]

Are you talking about just the league games? Even then we played better against Aston villa. It was a decent performance but nowhere near the games against Leverkusen and a few others.

I'd argue that our football was of a higher standard in the second half against Swansea than it was against Leverkusen and Villa.

Just my opinion.