Title decider

Friday, 06/05/2011

by Amit Mistry, Shoot's Manchester United blogger

This Sunday’s Premier League game between Manchester United and Chelsea represents probably the most decisive moment in the title race this season.

United have led the way for the majority of the season. However, United have dropped points recently against Newcastle and Arsenal. Chelsea now have the opportunity to make a sensational turn of events and usurp the Red Devils. If Chelsea gain those three points, they take top spot on goal difference, which would be a painful way to lose the title.

Despite the defeat at the Emirates last weekend, confidence will be high in the United camp after the victory against Schalke in midweek, which was a side that consisted mainly of squad players. Strength in depth was demonstrated that night and could prove valuable should a key substitution change the course of the game.

However, the purpose of shuffling the pack was that Ferguson recognised that the team was suffering from fatigue after a strenuously packed set of fixtures which did contribute to the defeat at the Emirates last weekend.

But many of the players likely to face Chelsea on Sunday will have had a week’s rest, and so the likes of Rooney, Hernandez and Ferdinand will be refreshed and raring to go. Darren Fletcher made his return to the side in a substitute appearance after a two-month absence. He is highly regarded by Ferguson and could be fast-tracked back into the starting line-up.

United did get the better of Chelsea in the last encounter in the Champions League over both legs. However, Chelsea will be a different opponent for two key reasons.

Firstly, David Luiz will be eligible to play. He has become a rock in the defence and the perfect partner for John Terry after the departure of Ricardo Carvalho. He also possesses a goal threat as seen in the previous league encounter back in March, and is likely to be tough hurdle to overcome for Rooney and Hernandez.

Secondly, Fernando Torres has finally found his feet. Once a striker breaks his duck, the floodgates will open, and the Spaniard may return to his terrorising ways against Vidic.

United do have the home advantage, and they have enjoyed an excellent home record this season, with Old Trafford being a resilient fortress to break. Yet the Theatre of Dreams could turn into a ‘Colloseum of Nightmares’ should refereeing decisions go against them as witnessed last weekend.

Howard Webb is set to officiate the match and he will have a tough job to keep the players in check as tempers will flare between the two sides. Rooney may be targeted as many perceive him to have a short fuse. And Drogba is likely to be the battering-ram again, and Rafael will need to be more cautious when he is in the Ivorian's physical presence. Could a sending-off or a penalty decision be the basis of a title victory this year?

Whether you are a United supporter, a Blues fan or just a neutral, that question that will be lingering on everyone’s mind is who will be first past the post this season, United or Chelsea?

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