UEFA Champions League: Predicting the Manchester United Starting XI v Chelsea
In less than one week, Manchester United will be traveling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. This match is billed as one of the most exciting Champions League quarterfinal matches, as both teams have a strong chance of reaching the final.
Being that United will be playing the first leg away, Sir Alex will want to limit the amount of goal scoring chances that Chelsea can create. United don't play for ties, but they will also not want to leave themselves open and vulnerable to a Chelsea attack.
In previous big games, Sir Alex has shifted United to a 4-5-1 formation. This formation works in the big games because it allows significant width in United's attack and also adds more depth and coverage in the middle to disrupt Chelsea's buildup.
Here is my predicted starting XI for Manchester United on April 6th.
Goalie: Edwin Van Der Sar
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Edwin van der Sar continues justify why he is one of the greatest goalies to play for United. At 40 years old, many people enjoy hobbies such as golfing, badminton or racquetball. For VDS, throwing his body around in an effort to bring glory to Manchester United is his hobby.
In terms of statistics, Edwin van der Sar may not boast the same as his Chelsea counterpart in Petr Cech. Nonetheless, van der Sar is still a quality keeper. VDS has faced the Blues numerous times throughout his career from his time at Fulham until now with United.
Van der Sar will be aware of the multiple attacking threats Chelsea possess, but his experience and familiarity with Chelsea's attacking threats will be a benefit for United in the quarterfinal tie.
The Dutch keeper's control over his box, intelligence and athleticism will surely frustrate the likes of Didier Drogba and Co.
Often times van der Sar is simply unbeatable, however lapses and defensive errors often put added pressure on VDS to keep United in the game.
Left Back: Patrice Evra
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Since Patrice Evra transferred to Manchester United in summer of 2006 from AS Monaco, he has been named to the PFA Team of the Tear in three out his four seasons playing in the EPL.
What makes Evra the best left back in the world is that he is as good as an attacker as he is a defender. Unlike his Chelsea counterpart Ashley Cole, Evra is a leader, and his defensive capabilites are often not the topic of debate.
Evra's combined force of power, aggression, speed and skill make him difficult for other teams to contain. Evra's intelligence in picking his runs will be needed against Chelsea, so United are not left out of position on the left side.
Center Back: Chris Smalling
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Rio Ferdinand has had a wretched season so far, making just four appearances since the New Year. There is speculation about Ferdinand being fit by the second leg against Chelsea, but his inclusion in the squad might not be guaranteed.
When Chris Smalling was signed from Fulham in the 2010 January transfer window, very few people had heard of him. Now, the tall and agile Smalling is hailed as the succesor to Rio Ferdinand.
Smalling has many qualities that are needed in a complete center back. His calmness on the ball, imposing height, and skillful distribution make Smalling one of the most promising young prospects for Manchester United and England.
The 21-year-old Smalling is about to have the game of his life against Chelsea. This match will be Smalling's match to assure that Ferdinand won't just walk right back into he squad.
Center Back: Nemanja Vidic
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This season has been Nemanja Vidic's. Despite being a defender, Vidic has managed four goals so far this campaign in his 28 appearances. Vidic is a dominant defender is all aspects of the game but is susceptible to easy fouls which sometimes is assisted by his reputation as a hard and ruthless tackler.
He is a threat in the air from set pieces, and commanding throughout his defensive half. However, Vidic will be called into action yet again when he faces Chelsea and his old foe in Fernando Torres. Vidic will be responsible for containing Torres faultlessly, a task that has proved difficult in past meetings between the two.
In the past three seasons, Nemanja Vidic has been sent off four times while playing against the Spaniard Torres. In the recent Premier League meeting between Chelsea and Manchester United, a match that saw Chelsea win 2-1, Vidic again opted for an early shower.
Chelsea will be pressing early and often in a search for a goal. A disciplined Vidic is crucial for United to have a chance in slowing down Chelsea's attack
Right Back: Wes Brown
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John O'Shea is out indefinitely, and first choice Rafael will not be fit by the first leg. Fabio, Rafael's twin brother, is skilled and promising but inexperienced. The obvious choice is Wes Brown to deputize the right back position.
Often times overlooked and underestimated, on many other teams Wes Brown would be a featured regular. At 31 years old, chances seem further limited by the return of O'Shea, Rafael and the development of Fabio. However, come Wednesday, Brown will have the opportunity to be a crucial part of United's back line.
Right Midfield: Luis Nani
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Nani has gone from fringe player with no future at United in sight, to indispensable. Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani has payed Sir Alex back with consistent and game changing performances.
Nani is not affraid to pull the trigger, and his 115 shots solidify that fact. Wasteful at times, his decision making has been improving throughout this season. Nani opposes a real threat when running at defenders and has the ability to whip in a cross or cut in and have a shot with his left.
Dribbling and almost teasing defenders is a tactic Nani uses to lure defenders into reckless challenges or diving in on the Portuguese rocket. Chelsea's back line will have to be on their best game and not fall into Nani's trap or allow him any space to do what he does best.
Center Midfield: Darren Fletcher
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Darren Fletcher is Manchester United's hard man. There will never be another Roy Keane, but currently Fletcher is the closest thing United have.
Fletcher has been a prominent member of the Manchester United midfield in the league this season and continues to impress for the Red Devils.
Often a tireless servant for United, Fletcher often gets stuck in when he needs to and also doing his part in creating attacking opportunities. Darren Fletcher will play an important role in breaking up Chelsea's attack through the middle.
Center Midfield: Paul Scholes
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Paul Scholes is arguably one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. His accomplishments, accolades and compliments he has received by iconic legends such as Zinedine Zidane and Xavi are a further testament to the greatness that is Paul Scholes. A true midfield general, Scholes is the conductor for the Manchester United orchestra.
At Paul Scholes' age, most people need glasses to read text right in front of them. All the while, Scholes is still pinging 40-yard balls side-to-side. Scholes' powerful presence and inherent leadership qualities make him one of the most respected players currently playing.
Scholes may need rest throughout the season and might not be as resilient as he once was, but the clash against Chelsea won't be a game Sir Alex is willing to rest his midfield gem or bench his valuable experience.
Left Midfield: Antonio Valencia
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Since the injury Antonio Valenica sustained in September, he has been limited to only three appearances this season.
Valencia showed signs of a promising recovery against Bolton, and Sir Alex will acknowledge that Valencia now needs games in order to get back into form.
Because of the likely inclusion of Paul Scholes, I doubt Sir Alex will want to start his two veterans together in the same squad. Ryan Giggs is likely to make an appearance off the bench, but Valencia will be given the opportunity to run at defenders and regain some of his confidence in the biggest game of United's seasons so far.
Center Attacking Midfield: Wayne Rooney
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A player like Wayne Rooney cannot be shackled by the restraints of a forward. Rooney has to much energy to not be at the center of play and has to much skill to not utilize him to his maximum potential. In the middle of the park it will likely resemble a triangle with Rooney at the top and Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher playing in support.
Wayne Rooney will be one of the players to watch against Chelsea, especially if he is deployed in his new role as an attacking center midfielder. Rooney is emerging as an ideal replacement to Paul Scholes. Especially given the fact that Scholes is able to sit in the pocket and create space with his passes, as his stamina is not what it once was.
Rooney will be responsible for creating the attack, as well as getting stuck in and tackling around the pitch. Hopefully, Rooney's new and more free attacking role will bring out the best in him and United and cause Chelsea's back line trouble
Forward: Javier Hernandez
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In Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez's nine starts and 10 as a substitute, Chicharito has managed to score 10 goals. This is very promising statisitc as he is still new to the English style of football.
The young Mexican can score goals with any part of his body and at any time. His energy levels and ability to time his runs to near perfection is reminiscent of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Hernandez likes to play right off the soulder off the last defender and wait for one of his teamates to set him free.
His partnership and understanding with Wayne Rooney has brought out the best in both players. More so than the Dimitar Berbatov partnership with either players. Berbatov plays a different, slower style that often contradicts with Rooney and Hernandez's style and often the whole of United's style.
If anything, Dimitar Berbatov will likely make an appearance off the bench, especially if United are in need of a desperate goal.
