Chelsea Vs Man Utd

Oh, and i almost forgot.. The preview of Chelsea vs Man Utd in this space..

Both teams coming from draws in their previous game in the Champions League, thou it should be noted that both also qualified from their group already..

Statistics show that Chelsea are the favourites to win. Chelsea playing at home, have not lost yet this season. One important point to look is that they have only conceded one goal so far at home this season. This is a rather frightening record coming in to this game. Man Utd have an uphill task presented to them. It does not help that Man Utd have been goal shy this season. Scoring a total of 23 goals compared to Chelsea's 28 goals.

You might think the difference isnt alot, but when you consider a chelsea a more defensive team, boasting the best defensive record of letting in only 8 goals this season, 28 goals scored is rather impressive. You would place Man Utd with the ranks of Arsenal for their attacking football, but this season, it's no where close. Arsenal has scored 36 goals this season. See the difference. It's true that Man Utd lack the penetration that Ronaldo offers, but they are still at a changing phase. I truly believe the midfielders have to step up to the plate. Centre Mids like Anderson, Carrick and Fletcher have to start popping in the goals.

You look at the big teams, Chelsea has Lampard n Ballack who are capable of that, Liverpool used to have Alonso n Gerrard, Arsenal have Frabegas n Arshavin now. Last time Man Utd used to have Scholes and Giggs, but they are old now, and none of the midfielders are taking up the mantle.

To the next point, Man Utd defense has been woeful this season. Letting in 11 goals this season. 11 goals may not be alot, but it was more of the manner of how they allowed those goals to go in. Foster's many bloopers.. Ferdinand's giving away free passes to oppositions or him allowing Torres to go past him easily.. When a team lets in this kind of goals, it affects the whole team, cos players do not have confidence in the defence. If attackers are confident of their own defence, they could stay in offensive positions to counter w/o worrying, but if they arent, they may just track back more and waste a chance to score on a counter.

The one weakness that Chelsea really have, is their set piece marking.. It was exposed during the 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Unfortunately, i do not believe Man United have the ability to expose it. Vidic has been quiet in set pieces and since Ronaldo is gone, no one really bang the headers in anymore. Every1 knows that u must expose the zonal marking when playing against Liverpool, but Man Utd cldnt even pose a trouble during corners, which shows they arent really gonna score from there this season.

And the one weakness that Man Utd have, is their confidence. Drogba would be the one who exploits that today. He made Carragher look like a defender from Wolves, and now Ferdinand and Vidic are doubts for the match, he would even find himself having easier matchups wth Evans and Brown. Unless United starts claiming clean sheets, their season would be a wobbly one. Their previous match in the Champions League ended in a 3-3 draw. 3 goals let in, it shows how much confidence the defense have right now.

Logically, Chelsea would win this match, but my heart is still with Man Utd to win. That's all for my analyst, a simple one, there could have been more points to touch on, but i'll leave it here.. Man Utd all the way!!