Chelsea vs Manchester United: Champions League Preview and Prediction

Published by adam | Filed under Champions League, Predictions, Previews

The Drogba muscles out United opponents in their league match

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4/06 19:45 GMT Chelsea vs Manchester United – Odds | Stats


Chelsea has every chance this Wednesday to avenge their 2008 loss to Manchester United in the Champions League final. United travels to Stamford Bridge to face the Blues in the first leg of the quarter finals. Either side could carry the momentum of winning this crucial encounter into both the Champions League and Premier League title race. This match has physicality, injury, and exhaustion written all over it. The hype alone carries a massive weight on all of the players. Can Torres finally put an end to his dismal start at Chelsea? Will the Spaniard even start?



Chelsea:


Chelsea look to have found their form in the last couple weeks and now see themselves in the Champions League quarters and a within a reasonable margin from league leaders United. Although Chelsea were the better team, the 1-1 draw at Stoke took a serious blow on their Premier League ambitions. The Champions League trophy however, is still missing from the Chelsea trophy room and all effort will be spent on this encounter. Russian owner Roman Abramovich admittedly wants the Champions League and has shelled out big money to do so. Chelsea is undefeated in their last nine Premier League games against United with 6 of them being victories.


Chelsea will be without March Premier League Player of the Month, David Luis, as he has already played for Benfica. The new center back signee has been incredible in the back. Yossi Benayoun and Alex are training but will not start for Carlo Ancelotti. A defeat for the Italian manager would put serious pressure on his job sustainability. Torres is still looking for his first goal in eight appearances for Chelsea after his £50 million transfer. The Spanish striker is struggling to say the least and may be starting on the bench for his efforts. Chelsea Player to Watch: Didier Drogba.


Manchester United:


United come into the match having won their last 4 fixtures in all competitions. Manchester United is chasing the potential treble as they sit 7 points atop the Premier League (to Arsenal with a game in hand) while they are in the semi finals of the FA Cup. Thanks to a remarkable Rooney inspired comeback against West Ham, the Red Devils took advantage of lackluster performances from other top teams to widen the gap. The attacking trio of Rooney, Berbatov and Hernandez has proved quite the force while Sir Alex Fergusson always seems to employ the right rotation of his stars.


United have a few injury concerns and are likely without Darren Fletcher due to a virus. Rio Ferdinand has resumed training but will wait until the Fulham match to return. Van der Saar is uncertain but will most likely start against the Blues while John O’Shea, Rafael, and Wes Brown are all out.





Rooney complains to the refs… Can he stay out of the spotlight?

Prediction:


Chelsea won the last meeting between the two sides 2-1 in March at Stamford Bridge. Vidic of United even said that Chelsea have the edge in this one. United however, will push to counter attack and secure the ever crucial away goal. Chelsea on the other hand, will hope to get improved performances from their struggling strikers.


Pick:


Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United