Position to Position: Chelsea look strong for Manchester United

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 05: Danny Welbeck of Manchester United takes on Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 5, 2012 in London, England.

Chelsea’s greatest test for the season would lie against Manchester United when they clash this Sunday at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have not lost a single game in the EPL so far and pundits have already started betting on Di Matteo’s team as favourites for the title, which is no surprise. One look at the depth and quality of the Chelsea squad justifies their tag as favourites.

But Manchester United with their players could make life difficult for Chelsea. It would not be a big surprise, if Chelsea suffer their first defeat of the season at their hands.

Lets compare these two teams.

Strikers

If football matches are won by scoring goals then Manchester United are lucky to have two of the deadliest strikers in world football, Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie. They might not have played alongside for many matches till date, but these two players are sure to be blooded against Chelsea and make life hell for the Chelsea defenders, who must minimise their error, and could be the difference between the two sides. Chelsea have been playing out of form player Fernando Torres regularly, but he has still not been able to regain the form he had at Liverpool, which had made him the best striker of the world as well. Oscar may partner him during the Manchester United fixture, but he is an attacking midfielder, not an out-and-out striker.

Conclusion: Manchester United have a lethal striking pair in the form of Rooney and Van Persie.

Midfielders

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Eden Hazard of Chelsea scores their third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on October 6, 2012 in London, England.

There is a problem of plenty in the Chelsea ranks as far as midfielders are concerned with no dearth of quality. Recent signings Oscar, Mata and Hazard have become a constant threat to opponents, along with Ramires and Mikel who play a solid role to support the back four when the need arises. But it is the offensive midfielders of Chelsea who hold the key. In most of the games, it is these players who have been on the score sheet for Chelsea. As far as Manchester United are concerned, they look mediocre in front of Chelsea. Michael Carrick, Valencia and Cleverly need to come up with their A game if they are to put up an offensive showing during the match. Carrick and Valencia need to shoulder the responsibility, which might still not be sufficient in the centre of the park.

Conclusion: Chelsea have way better midfielders

Defenders

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Man United player Rio Ferdinand (c) organises his defence during the Barclays Premier league game between Newcastle United and Manchester United at Sports Direct Arena on October 7, 2012 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Chelsea has just conceded six goals in the EPL so far. The credit must go their defense, which has looked brilliant, barring some glitches here and there. Gary Cahill and David Luiz makes an impressive pairing in the heart of Chelsea’s defense. Luiz may look reckless in the challenge, but he has contributed in big games by scoring goals. What else do you want from your centre back? Manchester United have two decent defenders in the form of Evans and Ferdinand and the latter is lo longer in his prime these days, as a few matches in the league have suggested. In the wing back position Chelsea look better with offensive players in the form of Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic, who are known for their runs down the flanks, with a strong knack of scoring goals. Rafael and Evra may be good but they not better then the Chelsea wing backs, as far as their current form is concerned.

Conclusion: Manchester United have good defenders, but Chelsea are slightly better in this department

Goalkeepers

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Petr Cech of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane on October 20, 2012 in London, England.

Peter Cech has been between the sticks for Chelsea for a long time and he has been doing well enough for the Blues and is expected to do well. He is a very consistent goalie, and one hardly gets to see bloopers. The Blues think tank have a lot of faith in their goalie’s abilities. On the other hand, United have not had the best of custodians under the bar. Even David De Gea has not been able to settle in the English Premier League, and his place has been taken by Anders Lindegaard. They will not be playing with their in-form goalie though, as he is still on the sidelines.

Conclusion: Chelsea have an established goalie, Manchester United have an unestablished one.

From the above comparison in different position, one has to agree that Chelsea has a better team and are capable of defeating Manchester United. But take nothing away from United, who know about the importance of big games.

Especially Alex Ferguson.