Rivals' Views: Chelsea-Manchester United Preview

Rivals' Views is back to preview yet another fascinating match which is going to take place on Sunday between the Premier League champions, Manchester United and runners-up, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

In case you're new to Bleacher Report, Rivals' Views gives the fans a chance to preview games and express their opinions about the big matches in the season and also in pre-season.

Last week, I caught up with the Manchester United co-Community leader, Jeff Harbert and the Liverpool Community leader, Barney Corkhill to preview the massive game at Anfield. This week, I've managed to get the views of Salaar Shamsi, World Football and Manchester United co-Community leader and Alan McGuinness, who is of course the newly appointed Chelsea co-Community leader!

1. It has been a good start for "Big Phil" and Chelsea—big expectations?

Alan: I'd have to say yes. I'm trying not to get too carried away but we are playing some good football and scoring plenty of goals. The style of football has definitely changed and Bosingwa and Deco have proved to be brilliant purchases so far.

Salaar: Luiz Felipe Scolari is a top-class manager and with the proven track record, there is no need to argue about this. Initially, whether he is able to understand the English game raised some doubt but now Scolari has proven (in his first four games) that he is fully capable of running the lads at Stamford Bridge.
 
Personally, Chelsea aren't the team to crumble under pressure so big expectations shouldn't hamper them but a mid-season glitch could ruin their hopes of regaining the title and it's very important for him to set the record straight against United on Sunday.

2. What do you make of Manchester United? They've had a difficult start to the season. Can they recover even if they lose to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge?

Alan: I think they can. They are bound to improve, and with Ronaldo coming back that can only be a bonus. They started worse last season and pipped us to two trophies, so I think it's too early to write them off.

Salaar: Yes, Man Utd have had a terrible start to their season but with United, it's never the quality that is lacking so I'm fully confident United will bounce back within the next month, regardless of the result on Sunday but this fixture still holds a lot of significance for both teams.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo comes back for Man Utd—any cause for concerns for Chelsea on that front?

Alan: A little bit. Sometimes in big games he fails to shine and he's only scored one goal against us (in Moscow) and he faded in that game after that. I'm confident our defence can snuff out his threat—Ashley Cole always raises his game against Ronaldo.

Salaar: Cristiano Ronaldo has played only 29 minutes (against Villarreal) since his return so the match fitness is a certain issue that comes into contention, Sir Alex might not start with him hoping to bring some fire power in the second half. I don't think Chelsea should be worried. Yes, Ronaldo is fantastic player but he's had a long time out so Tevez, Rooney, or Berbatov could hold bigger threats for the Blues.

4. John Terry's three match ban was overturned—do you think that his presence and Nemanja Vidic's absence should make it easier for Chelsea to win this one?

Alan: Definitely, although I would say having Carvalho out would have been a bigger blow for us than losing John Terry. Drogba could take advantage of his absence and cause some problems, but it all depends on when Scolari brings him on, because I don't think he's fit enough to start just yet.

Salaar: I was particularly impressed with Jonny Evans in midweek, he proved Sir Alex's faith in him to a certain extent. Vidic is an absolute rock at the back but a real threat going forward as well so there could be a dimension missing, but it's not like Chelsea have got one over United because he's missing.

5. What is your prediction for the game?

Alan: 2-1 Chelsea.

Salaar: To beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge isn't that easy as their record clearly proves, whether it's luck or quality, Chelsea have always found the goods when needed. For United to take three points would be wishful thinking on the part of the Red Devils. Personally, I predict a fierce encounter, a lot of opportunities created but 1-1 being the final score. Chelsea will be favourites but a victory isn't impossible for United.

I thank Alan and Salaar for spending their valuable time and answering my questions. This will certainly be a mouth-watering clash, which should be an advert for the Premier League. Let's hope it lives up to our expectations.