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With Liverpool badly struggling for any consistency or form, Arsenal still having a young squad and Manchester City not quite coming together as title challengers, it looks as though the English Premier League is coming down to a straight fight between Chelsea and Manchester United.
Both clubs have had their slight wobbles already this season which means this year may be a mistake ridden title race with the lead swapping hands on numerous occasions but this may lead to a more exciting title challenge.
There is no doubt that the other teams in the league are more than capable of taking points off the big boys in a one-off match so there is a need to manage these matches more effectively but the head to head matches may have an important role to play.
Manchester United may show this is not the case, given that they lost twice to Liverpool last season yet still managed to coast to the title but the psychological boost that comes with defeating your closest challenger is definitely going to be of benefit.
Olds Foes Meet Again
This is the backdrop to Chelsea versus Manchester United with Ancelloti coming up against Alex Ferguson for the first time in the English Premier League.
The two have clashed in the Champions League previously with Ancelloti’s AC Milan side overcoming the Red Devils but this is Fergie’s patch and he won’t roll over easily when it comes to top flight football in England.
Both men have a noted love of fine wine so it may be that they share a post match drink on Sunday after everything has died down but you can guarantee that there will be no pleasantries before the game this weekend.
Both clubs set themselves up for this game by progressing in the Champions League although neither were able to win their respective match. That wasn’t a concern though as 10 points after 4 games is a very respectable haul in Europe’s top flight and there are positives from both sides to take from their early qualification.
Both Teams Drew in Midweek
Chelsea may have a slight disappointment at losing a late equaliser in Madrid where they were playing Athletico but given they were up against a side who were fighting for their Champions League lives, it should comes as no surprise to see their opponents fighting to the end.
Didier Drogba thought he had done enough to secure all three points with a tremendous solo effort but a superb long range effort dragged Chelsea back level though this was not enough to put Athletico back into Champions League contention.
The Spanish side will need to parachute into the Europa League if they want to continue their European adventures after New Year but they aren’t done yet. Chelsea have the comfort of knowing they can rest some key players in their final two Champions League games, which should help some key players in their squad remain fit.
Didier Drogba missed the first three Champions League matches due to the suspension he received after his antics at the end of last season’s semi-final but his skill and talent proved what a top player he is when his heart is in it. Chelsea’s hopes of overcoming United definitely lie on the big striker’s shoulders and if he can replicate the form he showed in Madrid, the Chelsea fans may be celebrating another win come Sunday.
United Backline Struggling
And given the current defensive problems United have, they will definitely fear an in-form Drogba rampaging through them. United, to their credit came back from 3-1 down at home to CSKA Moscow to clinch their draw and qualification but throwing away three cheap goals is a major concern.
The United backline has struggled this season, Ben Foster in goal never lived up to his promise whilst Ferdinand and Vidic have lacked sharpness or consistency. All three were absent on Wednesday but even the return of Edwin van der Sar has failed to stiffen the Red Devils defence.
Wayne the Saviour
As worrying for Alex Ferguson will be their forward line, which has also been stuttering of late. Wayne Rooney remains in tremendous form but the players around him really need to step up to the plate and chip in with goals.
Michael Owen added another United goal to his tally in the match versus CSKA Moscow but he missed a lot more chances throughout the night. Rooney has just become a father and so has a lot of sleepless nights ahead of him but it is Alex Ferguson and his misfiring forwards who may have a lot of sleepless nights to come.
One bright spot for United is the fact that Darren Fletcher should be available for this fixture and his appearance adds an edge to United that has been notably missing in some of their big games in recent times.
The defeat at Anfield and even last season’s Champions League capitulation occurred when the Scottish midfielder was unavailable for selection and without him, United can be over-run at times. Given that Chelsea are very strong in the midfield area, United will need to match them in strength and spirit and Fletcher is a vital player in this role.
United’s Misfiring Midfield
Depending on fitness, Ryan Giggs may be unavailable for the match and without him, the rest of the United midfield is lacking form.
Certainly Paul Scholes is starting to show greater signs of wear and tear and the hole left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid has never been filled. Some say that Ronaldo never did much in a lot of big games for United but with him on the park, there was always the chance that something would happen. Without him available, United look a much more ordinary side.
It is only November so nothing is likely to be decided at this early stage but if any team can come away from Sunday’s match with all three points; an important psychological blow may be struck.
A Chelsea win sees them extend their lead at the top of the table and sucks United back into the chasing pack whereas a win for the Salford Reds will see them leapfrog Chelsea and perhaps turn Ancelloti to one of his favourite wines for comfort.
by Andrew Reilly
for The Silver Circle at www.footballtip.co.uk
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Dear Greg,
I've been a member since July 2003, maybe one of the first to join the Silver Circle.
2004 was a good year but I really enjoyed the long run we had in, I think, July 2005. It was exhilarating! 2006-2007 was not as exciting although still quite profitable and so far 2007-2008 looks quite good. I'm wondering if we're going to hit a long one again soon. Anyway, it's been a pleasure as always with your service, Greg. Armstrong and you are one of the few people I trust on the internet. You have made my retirement so much more fun and financially happy!
Best Wishes, Trent Wrayford, Sidney
