3 Reasons Why Chelsea Can Beat Manchester United This Sunday

The tie has an unfamiliar feel to it- for the first time in many years, it’s not going to be a top of the table clash. Hosts Chelsea go into the match sitting just one point off the leaders Arsenal in 2^nd place while their opponents United are languishing in 7^th place, 11 points behind the leaders, and although the title looks to be out of United’s reach, a win at the Bridge for United could very well be a favour for Arsenal and Manchester City and anything other than that could very well mean the Blues can lay claim of the title credentials with the Red Devils falling further behind in the table. So, here’s a look at three reasons why Chelsea should hold on to the precious three points.

1. Newly Strengthened Chelsea Midfield

Chelsea have just strengthened their midfield by splashing out £21 million on former youth teamer Nemanja Matic. Matic’s arrival means that Chelsea have plugged the only visible gap they had in an otherwise outstanding midfield- they lacked a top-class defensive midfielder. With Matic’s arrival, and his physical presence and tough tackling in midfield, it’ll be difficult for opposition teams to exploit what had at times proved to be a soft underbelly for Chelsea this season.

It’s hard to imagine that a player of Juan Mata’s caliber could have to sit out of the team, but that is what is happening at present, such has been the form of unstoppable attacking midfield duo Eden Hazard and Oscar, both of whom have been scoring regularly. Ramires too has been impressive in a dynamic, box-to-box role, along with the experience of Frank Lampard. It’s hard to see United being able to cope with a midfield of this quality, trickery and movement.

2. Mourinho’s Record At Stamford Bridge

 

The ‘Special One’ has an outstanding record at the Bridge- Chelsea have never conceded a goal in the 4 matches at Stamford Bridge when the Blues have been under Jose Mourinho’s stewardship. In fact United have failed to score in any of their last 3 matches against Chelsea and on top of that, the Blues have won the last 10 of their 11 games at the Bridge. With that kind of a record, it’s hard to argue a case for United, especially if Chelsea manage yet another shutout this Sunday.

Mourinho realizes the importance of these potential six-pointers, and the fact that points won and lost in matches between the big six could be a decisive factor in what promises to be one of the toughest title races in recent seasons. So far, Chelsea have won both home matches against big-six opponents (2-1 against both Manchester City and Liverpool), and another win will put them in pole position when the run for the title enter home stretch in April-May.

3. No Rooney, van Persie

In the pre-match press conference earlier today, Manchester United manager David Moyes confirmed that strikers Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie will miss the champions’ trip to Chelsea on Sunday. This will come as a big blow to the Red Devils, who were undoubtedly hoping that the strikers could regain their fitness back in time for the big game.

Rooney has been the most important player for United this season, having scored 9 goals and created 40 chances in the Premier League this season- Patrice Evra is a distant second having created 23 chances. Van Persie has also been crucial, despite missing 9 of their last 10 league games, and is their third highest scorer in the league with 7 goals. Taking away a total of 16 goals and 49 chances created from the team, really leaves it kind of thread bare (stats as per squawka). The question is if United fail to create chances and score goals, how will they win?