United VS Chelsea - a department by department comparison

Champion teams don't always have the best players. But more often than not, they do. In what is turning out to be a stirring rivalry between a timeless powerhouse and a million dollar baby, this season promises to hold a lot of answers as to where this rivalry is heading. Manchester United may have won the famous double last season and Chelsea nothing, but Sir Alex Fergusson will be the first to admit that there really wasn't anything between the two sides the whole of last season. This season, with both clubs adding to their 'arsenal,' which club looks the better bet to last the distance?  Purely man for man.

Let's get things started with the goalkeeper's spot. Van der Sar may have made the odd mistake in his ManUtd career, but on the whole he has been almost impregnable. Not always the most stylish of shot-stoppers, he is not many neutrals' favourite goalkeeper; but, efficient he is! On the contrary, Petr Cech, a decade younger and as much of a superstar as any contemporary keeper, has served Chelsea marvellously well. Immediately coming to mind are his terrific efforts in a host of Chelsea's 1-0 wins under Mourinho. He too, as is a norm with goalkeepers, has made the odd mistakes. But, if I have to choose one man over other for this season, then I would choose the younger and more celebrated Czech ten times out of ten. [C-1, M-0]

Moving on to the right back position, a confident Jose Bosingwa takes on a question mark. And wins! Surely, none of Wes Brown, Gary Neville and Rafael da Silva look as menacing going forward as the Portuguese right back. And the question marks are no world beaters defensively as well. Atleast, not any more. [C-2, M-0]

At centre back, ManUtd have Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic as first choice. With Wes Brown and Johnny Evans to fall back on. The blues on the other hand, have Mr. Chelsea John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho as their first choices. Alex serves as their backup. Clearly, this is a department of great strength for both sides and there is very very little to choose between the two first choice pairs. And so, I will not. [C-2.5, M-0.5]

At the left back position, the battle is between two extremely talented, young attack-minded wingbacks. Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole both add a lot of value to their side, more so owing to the absence of a quality left winger at his prime(in both teams). Defensively, Cole might have got the nod a season or two ago but the compact Frenchman has come a long way since then. Too close to call, again. [C-3, M-1]

Next we move on to the right winger's spot. Joe Cole's progress in that position has been remarkably steady and continual. He not only adds a certain amount of shock value to the Blues but he is also a tireless week-in, week-out performer who also scores goals. A true manager's dream! But, up against him is Cristiano Ronaldo. [C-3, M-2]

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