Man Utd vs Chelsea

The big match of the season so far. With Liverpool far from being a title challenger now, the heavy favourites Man Utd and Chelsea, barring the likelihood of a Arsenal revolution will be going head-to-head at the Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Both teams are equally matched to say the very least. Chelsea has maintained it squad depth while Man Utd traditionally stronger, has lost Ronaldo and Tevez which has had an effect on their season thus far. Chelsea and Man Utd this season however will be I reckon more interesting than previous seasons. The main reason is the attacking style of Chelsea brought about by the Italian maestro Carlo Ancelotti. Chelsea has stabilised under his management and has re-found the confidence in their team play and that overwhelming team spirit that has saw them conquer the BPL during the Mourinho heydays.

Man Utd is patchy in recent matches. The loss of a confident goalscorer like Ronaldo definitely hurt the goal ratio but Rooney, Berbatov and Valencia has since stepped up to play major roles in winning games this season. Man Utd will be expecting a colossal fight in defence, a physical one with the mercurial Drogba keen to destroy the makeshift defence pairing of Brown and Evans. Man Utd will also find it hard to break down the defence and midfield of Chelsea, especially at their home ground.

I wonder who Man Utd will play in the match. For one, I am definitely expecting the midfield scrambler Darren Fletcher and the big match experienced Ryan Giggs. I am also expecting Rooney and Berbatov plus the in-form Valencia leading the attack. Right-back will be big John O'Shea and left back definitely Patrice Evra. I think they key is in defence as I have my reservations about Wes Brown's defence capacity at the centre. For Chelsea, I expect Ballack to be placed alongside Lampard, Essien and Joe Cole to try and win the midfield battle. The defensive roles are pretty much self picked: Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole and Bosingwa/Ivanovic, with Drogba and Anelka likely to be unleashed together.

The first to win the battle at the top will no doubt have the psychological edge for the rest of this year. Man Utd will hate to lose again to another Top 4 team following Liverpool. Chelsea meanwhile will like to prove that they are worthy title holders.

All these makes for an exciting match and the likelihood of drama in 90 minutes. Don't miss it for the world.