Manchester United versus Chelsea is undoubtedly the match of the week this week’s English Premier League fixtures and these 2 sides with contrasting fortunes so far this season squaring off for what promises to be a pulsating encounter. Let’s take a look at five reasons why this game would be a highly significant one in terms of the premier league standings and what makes it a must watch to not just the clubs’ fans but all football fans.
1. BLUE RESILIENCE - OUT OF THE FRYING PAN AND INTO THE FIRE
Chelsea have just played a great match against Basel and reached the finals of the Europa League. But, as quoted by Tolkien in The Hobbit, its “out of the frying pan and into the fire” for them! 3 high pressure matches in 6 days is surely going to test them mentally and physically and it will be interesting to see how they will respond. Whether Bentiez goes all out for victories against MANU and Tottenham or preserves his side for the all important Europa League final in 2 weeks will have ramifications on the premier league standings. Chelsea also has the toughest schedule compared to their London rivals and they cannot afford to slip any further.
2. RACE FOR THE TOP 4
A top 4 finish in the Premier League is critical for clubs as it guarantees Champions League football and most importantly extra revenue and transfer interest which can go a long way in defining the season of the club. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are poised for a photo finish and one of these three will have to settle for a Europa League spot. All the 3 sides are in good form and it is difficult to predict who will slip out. If Chelsea doesn’t manage to win against MANU, they will be in under even more pressure for the mid week London derby against Tottenham – a match that would surely make or break either club’s top 4 dream this season. Chelsea and Arsenal could have the last laugh leaving Tottenham cursing their bad luck again.
3. DAVID LUIZ’S AMAZING FORM
There are whispers around Stamford Bridge that David Luiz has what it takes to become the next captain of the club. And he is doing nothing wrong by scoring brilliant goal after goal. He has chosen the perfect time to fire on all cylinders as Chelsea fight for winning a cup this season and finish inside the top 4 in the league. With John Terry’s uncertain future at Chelsea, Luiz can establish himself as the soul of the club and continue to win the fans’ hearts and the ultimately the arm-band and become a legend in the making.
4. STRIKER FORTUNES
Wayne Rooney, for me will always remain a true striker. He has had a forgettable season so far as van Persie has firmly established himself at his new club as the chief goal scorer. Rooney’s role on the pitch has become a shadow of its former self. While there is some speculation that Rooney future lies towards the middle of the pitch, it is hard to envision such a player not regularly terrorizing defenders and goal keepers. It would be interesting to see if Rooney’s plays a significant performance against Chelsea and reinvigorates his future at Manchester. El Nino has been a disappointment and it’s a mystery why he has never replicated the form he displayed at Liverpool. With Chelsea filled with young and exciting talent now, Torres’ future at the club is at stake and if the next manager decides that he is surplus to requirements, we could see him make a move in the summer or winter. He needs to score goals, and a bunch of them, in the remaining games to atleast stand a chance of regular play next season and what better way for that than to net a few against United. That would make the fans forget their displeasure with him atleast till the end of the season.
5. ROBIN VAN PERSIE
His goal scoring draught finally ended against Aston Villa with a majestic hat trick and he has regained his mojo for sure now. It has always been a delight watching him play whether he was at Arsenal last season or at United now (and seemingly forever). The man has already set a record for all time leading scorer in a debut season at his new club. He has already won his first Premier League title and we can surely expect a strong finish to a wonderful season from him.
Source: DSG
