Why United Have Uphill Task To Beat Chelsea

Chelsea, are playing the season of their life. The passion with which they take on teams is so amazing. It is this passion the blues will live with against champions Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea have already beaten Manchester United in the Community Shield and will come with this courage against a red devils side that is failing to kill off teams without the huge presence of 80 million pound star, Cristiano Ronaldo, now with Real Madrid.

Ancelotti’s new Chelsea diamond format has provided dividends for the team. With the physical presence of Michael Essien as the anchorman, Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard completing the midfield trio, teams have found it very difficult to break them. Though the backline of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Ashley Cole and Ivanovic have allowed goals at the beginning of the season, there are assurances the team is perfecting Ancelotti’s teachings.

While many would argue that Chelsea are conceding more goals than they would have allowed during the Jose Mourinho era, there is proof that the team is attacking more and more. It is a factor that has been missing in this squad for the last four to five years.

Against Manchester United, they will need the sharpness in attack and the midfield to cut out the visitors.

Chelsea attack has welcomed the brilliance of Ivory Coast international, Didier Drogba, who is scoring goals with a lot of ease. The bulky hitman has nine goals to his name in the Premier League, producing more assists than any other Chelsea player and is physically fit. Nicholas Anelka’s pace on the ball is so worrying to the opposition. He has played a huge part in providing for goals. With the revival of Deco, Chelsea are confronting a depleted Manchester United defence of Rio Ferdinand still struggling with form and back injury and Nemanja Vidic. Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager may be forced to bring back Wes Brown and Jonny Evans who had a poor outing against CSKA but a good one at Burnley and Blackburn Rovers.

However, United have their positives in Wayne Rooney who has upped his game by registering seven goals in the Premier League. Rooney is hungrier than ever, with so much of the weight being placed onto his shoulders after the departure of Ronaldo in the summer.

The England striker who became a father this week produced a fantastic performance against CSKA mid week will be required to do the same to thwart Chelsea threat.

Dimitar Berbatov produced an exceptional performance against Blackburn is a man moving in the right direction. Berbatov’s combination with Rooney is perfecting by the day. Rested during the mid week champions league outing, he may be the killer link this weekend when United travel to West London to try and close the gap at the top of the table.

However, United do have the fresh legs of Gabriel Obertan. He may not possess the goal scoring instincts, but, Chelsea will have to watch out for his attacking prowess if he is given a run out at Stamford Bridge.