Chelsea v Man Utd: Countdown to the Premiership Decider

April 24, 2008 by CLDsport

What a week for both Chelsea and Man Utd. Tough Champions League semi-finals, followed by what has been billed as the Premiership decider on Saturday.

Yes, it’s time for Chelsea v Man Utd at Stamford Bridge. 12.45 on Saturday afternoon. It’s fair to say that the Premier League title could all but officially belong to Manchester United by 3pm. If Chelsea lose, they would find themselves an almost unassailable 6 points behind United with just 2 games remaining. Even if Fergie’s team were to lose those 2 games, and Chelsea win theirs, United would surely take the title on goal difference.

This weekend should provide an enthralling spectacle. Will Chelsea play defensively in fear of United gaining all 3 points? Surely Avram Grant will realise that he has to play for the win if he stands any chance of guiding his team to the title.

Alex Ferguson on the other hand can afford to go to Chelsea and play for the 0-0. That would still leave United in the driving seat, and Chelsea with it all to do. As we saw in Barcelona Man Utd can defend under pressure, and are more than capable of frustrating Chelsea in the same way.

Whatever your opinions on defensive tactics, it’s an essential weapon when the time is right. There has been a lot of negativity with regards to Man Utd’s tactical play in Barcelona on Wednesday - including from a minority of United fans. But, at the end of the day, a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp IS a GOOD result and leaves them with a good chance of advancing through to the final (to be played on 21st May at The Luzhniki stadium in Moscow.

Man Utd have to go to Stamford Bridge and do everything in their power to avoid defeat - and if that means playing defensively, then so be it. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. I’m sure there will not be too many complaints from fans if Ferguson’s team lift the trophy, right?!

Latest team news: Nemanja Vidic - who missed the Champions League tie with Barcelona - is ‘probably’ not going to be fit in time for Saturdays match following his stomach bug. It’s looking likely that Fergie will start with Ferdinand and Wes Brown as his central pair.

So, who is your money on? What are your predictions?

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