Posted on 06 May 2011 at 16:39 PM by
Formex
Will history repeat itself at Old Trafford this Sunday? It was in April last year that Chelsea, through a controversial Didier Drogba goal, won 2-1 at the Theatre of Dreams to leapfrog Man United at the Premier League summit.
This time round Chelsea would only take top spot on goal difference but with only two games to play after this weekend it is a position you can bet they would be unlikely to relinquish. Such an outcome was more than fanciful only a month ago but with Ancelotti’s men finding a rich vein of form and United stuttering and finally losing at the Emirates last Sunday it is now most certainly possible, albeit perhaps not probable.
Unfortunately for the visitors and current Champions the home form of Ferguson’s side is outstanding 16-1-0 in the league and yet to lose a game at home in any competition this season. The Blues can take heart from their 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture in which David Luiz had such a memorable game. He was ineligible for the Champions League and missed both defeats to United but will play alongside John Terry in the centre of defence.
The key question for Ancelotti though is whether he will start with Fernando Torres, finally off the mark and boasting a good record against the United defence, or stick with a better balanced and to date more successful formation. Drogba simply has to start with his fine record against the Reds and the positive impact he has when playing as the target man upfront it would seem sheer folly to do otherwise. However with owner Roman Abramovich wishing to see his £50m man on the field the starting line-up may well shape not just this game but the future of Carlo Ancelotti.
It seems almost unbelievable to think that if Chelsea retain the title their manager, who last season won the double, could still be on his way to Roma in the summer. This though would be more to do with the Champions League exit than the dreadful couple of months that ended 2010.
With United heading for another Champions League final against Barcelona later this month and several key players, including Rooney, Hernandez, Ferdinand and Vidic rested in the midweek victory over Schalke they will be at full-strength for this and comfortable in the knowledge that it’s Chelsea that need the victory.
A fascinating match looks assured with goals firmly on the agenda and although a Chelsea win is the result we want in this instance the recommendation is for a draw. For those so inclined a punt on a 2-2 correct score could pay dividends.
Earlier in the afternoon Arsenal should make the best of Stoke dreaming of Wembley success in the FA Cup final by taking all the points at the Britannia Stadium.
Wolves have a massive game at home to West Brom on Sunday and nothing less than a win will give the home side hope of Premier League survival. The same can be said on Saturday when West Ham play Blackburn at Upton Park.
This is very much make or break for the Hammers and although they have done little to encourage support of late they may just edge this over a Blackburn side that have conceded more away goals than any other side in the Premier League.
Elsewhere Tottenham should prove far too strong for Blackpool and Everton can get the better of Man City at Goodison Park.