UCL Preview: Chelsea vs Manchester United

English heavy weights Chelsea and Manchester United will renew their rivalry on the European front when they face off in London on Wednesday night for the first leg of the Champions League quarter final.

High Octane Clash At The Bridge Tonight

Despite Carlo Ancelotti playing down talks of revenge, it is hard to imagine John Terry, a man who wears Chelsea on his sleeve would have forgotten that penalty miss, the moment when the destiny of the Champions League, 2008 was at his feet and how it would end in a “so near yet so far” story. Realistically, Champions League remains Chelsea’s only hope for silverware this season, yet given their consistent performances in Europe’s premier club competition over the last few years, one would have to say it’s round the corner. But the question is will this season end too in hope that Chelsea will win it in the near future, sending Roman Abramovich on another manager sacking spree or will 2011 be a ‘Blue’ year indeed?

Manchester United on the other hand are looking to emulate their treble winning heroics of 1999 but have their own score to settle in this fixture. They haven’t won at Stamford Bridge for nine years. Moreover, it’s been refereeing decisions that have robbed them in their previous two fixtures with the latest disappointment commencing just a month back. In spite of the overwhelming familiarity with the opposition, this is going to be an entirely new ball game with a neutral (country) referee for starters. With the second leg scheduled to be played at Old Trafford in a week’s time, in case you were wondering what kind of tactics United might employ, here’s what Sir Alex had to say on the eve of the clash,

“The name of the game is to go back to Old Trafford with a goal in our pocket. Or hopefully even two goals.”

Apart from their individual agendas, there is an all pervading incentive to succeed this year as the dream of lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy at the Wembley stadium is poised to become a reality.

TACTICS AND PERSONNEL

Chelsea:

Lack of Luiz:

The unavailability of David Luiz could be a big blow to Chelsea. But for a horror show at Stoke last Saturday, the Brazilian has been revelation since his move from Benfica. In fact, he opened his account for Chelsea when the two sides met last month. With Alex not fit enough to feature in the first leg, Ivanovic might have to slot in beside Terry at centre back.

The strikers’ dilemma:

Will Torres Haunt United or Will Drogba Make Amends For His 2008 Final Sending Off?

Enough and more has been written about Fernando Torres, his price tag and his inability to find his scoring boots. To make matters worse for him, Didier Drogba looked like his old self again at Stoke combining well with Anelka to bring Chelsea level. However, Torres has a fantastic scoring record against Manchester United since his Liverpool days, something Ancelotti might be tempted to exploit. Given what’s at stake, the Italian might just start with Torres with Drogba ready to add muscle to the attack when deemed necessary.

Width:

In Lampard and Essien Chelsea have two of the best central midfielders in the world with Ramires rapidly making a name for himself. However, the system Ancelotti likes to play smothers Chelsea of natural width. Cole and Bosingwa do a commendable job from left and right backs respectively, but up against the pace of Valencia and Nani, it could be a risky proposition.

Manchester United

Depleted defense:

Rio Ferdinand has trained the past week but giving him a start on Wednesday might risk losing him to a recurrence of his injury particularly in wake of crucial matches in the coming weeks. Nemanja Vidic is back at the heart of United’s defence but he will come against the only player in the Premier League who has consistently got the better of him, Fernando Torres. The right back position is another cause of worry. Though Rafael is fit again, his impetuousness has cost United dear in the past and given the magnitude of what’s at stake Sir Alex might have to go for the more experienced John O’shea who is himself recovering from injury.

Strike force combination:

Wayne Rooney missed training on Tuesday but is expected to recover from a bruised shin but United’s problems lie elsewhere.

Can Rooney Inspire United To An Elusive Victory At Stamford Bridge?

Sir Alex likes to go with a lone striker in away matches in Europe. Whereas Berbatov is brilliant playing with his back to goal, he is too lackadaisical to make most of a counter attacking opportunity. Hernandez’s off the ball movement can mesmerize the best of centre backs but his hold up play leaves a lot to be desired. Playing Rooney on his own didn’t look half as effective as when he had Chicharito to support him against West Ham last weekend. If Sir Alex does indeed decide to go with two strikers, his midfield without the work rate of Darren Fletcher (out with flu) could look real thin against the likes of Essien, Lampard and Ramires.

Chicharito Has Scored In Each Of United's Away Victories This Season. Can He Give Chelsea The Blues?

It’s arguably the tie of the quarter final stages in the Champions League and given the fact that the second leg will be at Old Trafford, Chelsea would want to make their home advantage count. That might suit United on the counter particularly with Nani and Valencia on either wing, they are bound to get their fare sniff at an elusive victory at Stamford Bridge.

Note: Match starts at 20:45 BST or 12:15 IST