5 reasons why Chelsea will beat Manchester United on Sunday

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and not reflective of the website as a whole.

Fernando Torres and Michael Carrick

One of the most anticipated matches of the 2013-14 season Manchester United Vs Chelsea turned out to be a very strong contender for the most boring game of the season ending in a rather dull encounter with neither side being able to land a knockout blow. Here are five reasons why it should be different than the encounter at Old Trafford.

1. Manchester United’s recent form: The new Moyes era had just begun, and Mourinho gave Moyes’ team a little too much respect and played a safe draw. More than halfway into the season and Mourinho would have realised his mistake. With teams like Everton, Newcastle, West Brom and Cardiff City coming off with good results Mourinho will probably be more attacking this time around.

Well, he can’t really be more defensive than last time, not playing a striker! This being said, with United’s current form it might just be too tempting for Mourinho to do the same like last time and try harder on the counter this time.

2. The Bridge factor: The Special One has never been beaten at what he calls his “Real” home (pun intended). This might just be a key factor and Mourinho will try hard not only to extend but try to go two points better. The previous encounter between the teams saw a total of seven shots attempted, three of which were from the home team.

A total lack of initiative from Moyes’ side probably hoping for a point max. Chelsea have clearly been a stronger team at home and will come out firing.

3. Chelsea’s striker options: The striker conundrum at the London club finally seems to be less of an issue. Yes, after a long long time it can be said that a Chelsea striker is “in form.” Torres scoring in consecutive games in the Premier League first time since December 2012. That has to count for something right? at least we are assured of a place for a striker in the Blues’ starting eleven!

Eden Hazard and Antonio Valencia

4. Chelsea’s flourishing midfield: Eden Hazard has clearly been Chelsea’s best player of the season. With ten goals and six assists he is the player to watch out for. He has grown in confidence and more importantly turned up when the team need him the most. With the likes of Willian and Oscar working tirelessly, the Blues midfield will definitely have the upper hand.

5. Injury plagued United: A fully fit United squad would have assured us of a cracker of a game. With RVP, Rooney, Young, Evra, Evans, Jones, Ferdinand, Fellaini all injured it threatens to be a killjoy.

Though Rooney, Evra and Evans have a realistic chance of making it to match day, their full participation seems doubtful. Rooney was the only spark at Old Trafford last time and Moyes would be praying for a fit Wazza. An injured United tilts the tide in Chelsea’s favour.

Though the Stamford Bridge outfit will be strong favourites one can never underestimate a team of Manchester United’s caliber, no matter who is managing it. From the fans perspective the likes of Januzaj, Willian, Torres and Kagawa can sure light up the place but with the Special One masterminding the play one is never sure what to expect.

A flamboyant side in blue steamrolling the red counterpart or an astute plan to hold things like last time only Mourinho knows what is in store. The Chosen One however would like to come away with a point and if a half chance arrives on the way, you would expect the Champions to grasp it with both hands.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and not reflective of the website as a whole.