BPL Preview Chelski vs United

United now level the point with City but in the second place due to goal differences. But now United is entering the crucial phase of the league when they facing stronger teams in starting with Chelski, follow by Liverpool then Tottenham. Victories over this teams should made the title defense less critical.

This Sunday United will heading to Stamford Bridge to face Chelski. Tough game await them. After trailing City for half of the season they managed to catch the Citizens. So any lost of points is unthinkable.  A must winning game for both actually. But Stamford Bridges seemed unbreakable for United. United never beat them for the last 10 year where the last win was recorded on 20 April 2002. United won 3-0.

Last 10 Matches Played at Stamford Bridges

1 March 2011	Chelsea 2-1 United
8 November 2009	Chelsea 1- 0 United
21 September 2008	Chelsea 1- 1 United
26 April 2008	Chelsea 2-1 United
9 May 2007 0	Chelsea 0-0 United
29 April 2006	Chelsea 3-0 United
15 August 2004	Chelsea 1- 0 United
30 November 2003	Chelsea 1- 0 United
23 August 2002	Chelsea 2 - 0 United
20 April 2002	Chelsea 0 - 0 United

United latest hit of injury is at goalkeeper department. De Gea was ill for Stoke City his place was taken by Ben Amos. The Spaniard said to be fit for this game. Not so sure whether Ferguson play him after series of calamity. Ben Amos is inexperienced but if he play in the big game and perform superbly then he could be better keeper. Ferguson needed player with experience especially in the big game. I think De Gea will play. The backline would be the same as the Stoke City. Evra - Ferdinand - Evans - Smalling.

Ferguson might play five midfielders to control the crucial area. Valencia surely play on the right wing, He already has 11 assists. Carrick is another automatic choice. Giggs may play to alternate with Scholes. Nani and Youngs reported to be fit for the game. If this so Nani will play. If another midfielder needed it would be Park Ji Sung to support the lone striker. Rooney was reported to play so he surely in. If needed a partner Welbeck will get the nod.  United needed a target man upfront and Welbeck is the best choice ahead of Hernandez and Berbatov.

But really hope Pogba will play along Carrick in the midfield. He is very talented young player. People described his as new Viera, but I  believed he much better than that. The energy, skill and vision was evident during game against Stoke City. His tackling, passing, interception were superb. I really wanted to see he plays.

Match Facts

• United have won 5 of the last 6 matches in all competitions against Chelsea.
• Fernando Torres has scored 4 goals in his last 7 Premier League games against the Reds.
• Chelsea have lost as many times in their last seven league games (3) as they had in the previous 53 matches at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 9 Premier League home games against United, on a run that stretches back to nearly 10 years, winning 6 and drawing 3
• Fergie’s men have the best away record in the Premier League gaining 26 points so far and conceding fewer goals than any other team on the road (7).
• Wayne Rooney has scored 4 goals in his last 7 Premier League appearances against Chelsea and also netted on his last two visits to Stamford bridge, one in the league and one in the Champions League.
• United have the best conversion rate in the Premier League, scoring with 20% of their attempts at goal.
• Chelsea have picked up more cards than any other team in the Premier League – 50 yellows and 4 reds.
• Fernando Torres has gone 12 league games without a goal, his longest drought since arriving in England.