Manchester United vs. Chelsea: Red Devils Ready to Make Massive Statement

Manchester United's steamroll through the early stages of the EPL is about to get cranked up a notch with a big win over Chelsea. Chelsea appears to be the second best team in the EPL, and Manchester United will show just how big the chasm is between them and everyone else.

The Red Devils have gotten off to their torrid start despite having to weather numerous injuries. And they will have to do so again against Chelsea. Man U coach Sir Alex Ferguson will be without the services of Nemanja Vidic, Danny Welbeck, Rafael and Tom Celverley.

Rio Ferdinand will be back, though, and ready to anchor the Man U defense. He could also be helped in the back by Chris Smalling, who could get his first taste of playing for the Red Devils in this match.

Man U has won the last two meetings between these clubs 2-1, and this one is not likely to be that close. Manchester United has looked better early in this campaign than they did at any time in the last one.

Wayne Rooney has been a one-man wrecking on the offensive end. Despite defenses focusing on Rooney, he is still putting the ball in the net at a rate of over one goal per contest. And when he isn't scoring the goals for himself, he is earning them for his teammates.

My prediction of Man U dominance is not to say that Chelsea isn't worthy of being called the No. 2 team in the EPL. They have the talent and promise to stay with the Red Devils all year. However, they don't have the talent to pass them, and they are not ready to compete with them.

Chelsea has won three straight EPL matches, but the wins have been lackluster and have come against opponents they should be beating. This club is still forming a new identity under their new coach Andre Villas-Boas.

I expect this process will take time, and that Chelsea will be more competitive with Manchester United at the end of this campaign, but they aren't there yet.

Man U will win this one, 4-1.