The two most successful teams in the last seven years Man United and Chelsea will clash today at Stamford Bridge in this early awaited encounter. Man United and Chelsea have won the league between them in the last seven season and in previous seasons, this match always go a long way in deciding the league title. But things are different this season as Chelsea are 12 points behind Man United and are struggling to qualify for the Champions League. Man United has won their last four games against Chelsea. In the first leg at Old Trafford Man United won 3-1 but the game will be remembered more for Fernando Torress shocking miss arguably the miss of the season so far.
Chelsea led by Andre Villa Boas is suffering the worst run since Roman Abramovic took over at the club. On Tuesday, a last minute strike by Bosingwa gave Chelsea a one all draw at Chelsea, their second straight draw and their sixth draw this season. Chelsea has been poor all season, poor in front of goal, defensive frailties and lack of creativity in midfield.
No Chelsea player has scored 10 premier league goals this season.Fernando Torres has not scored in the premier league since September. But he has? a decent record against United as he has scored 4 goals in his last 7 Premier League games against the RedsThey will be missing several players for this encounter, Ashley Cole is suspended,Ramirez,Lampard and Mikel are out injured while Didier Drogba is still currently with Cote DIvoire in the ongoing African Nations Cup.Chelsea are seven points off Tottenham in third place and are just above Liverpool,a loss and Liverpool win will put a serious dent in their top four aspirations.
This game is a must win for Andre Villa Boas side.Chelsea keeper Peter Cech believes Chelsea are completely out of the title race,he said: “We don’t even have to mention the word ‘title’ because the Manchester clubs will not drop many points – that’s the reality,I still think it is realistic to target the third sport, though. For that we will need to succeed in today’s tough match at home to United.”
Man United win on Tuesday put them level on point with Manchester City but have an inferior goal difference to City.Man United have been in a good run in the premier league and have won their last three premier league games with Antonia Valencia returning back to form with nine assists in his last 11 games.Man United have the best away record in the premier league this season.But Man United have not beaten Chelsea in their last nine visits to Stamford Bridge in the league.
The last time collected three points at Stamford Bridge was in 2002.Man United striker Wayne Rooney has scored 4 goals in his last 7 Premier League appearances against Chelsea and also netted on his last two visits to Stamford bridge, one in the league and one in the Champions League last season in the semifinal.This game will prove a test for the title bid but has Ferguson has shown over the years he is the master of the game when it comes to the premier league and winning when it really matters.