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#4233014 · 26 Nov 2006, 18:18 · · პროფილი · პირადი მიმოწერა · ჩატი
Marcel Desailly: This is United's season
His old club have won the Premiership in the two seasons since Marcel Desailly left England, but the former Chelsea star believes they won't get the points today - or, eventually, the league title. Here he picks out the key confrontations and explains why
Sunday November 26, 2006
The Observer
This is going to be Manchester United's season and I've been saying it ever since the campaign started. Football goes in cycles and I just don't think Chelsea can be as dominant as they were in the last two seasons. They seem to be finding it more difficult to win games. There's not the same stream-roller effect as we have seen in the past couple of years - they're winning less easily.
This is not surprising. When you are in Chelsea's position, everyone wants to beat you, all your opponents are extra motivated: you have become a scalp. The extra aggression that opposing teams will find for matches against Chelsea is significant and it may cost them six or seven points over a season.
Sir Alex Ferguson's team had the same thing going on not so long ago. But now they are in the position of being the underdogs and that can be a big positive. There is almost a goodwill factor in United's favour, which just goes to show how quickly things can change in football.
When I was at Chelsea, neutrals were willing us on, hoping we would help break United's domination of the Premiership. Now, the neutrals are likely to want a United victory at Old Trafford today. United have the momentum with them - they are on a strong upward spiral. They are looking strong again, they are solid, fast, there's a collective spirit about their play and they look like they have rediscovered the hunger.
For me, Paul Scholes is at the base of everything that's good about Manchester United. He's the one who is going to distribute the passes, the one who will direct the game. He has the vision and the reading of the game and he can play short with Wayne Rooney or long out to the flanks.
One of United's big pluses is the ability of both Scholes and Rooney to drift between the lines: it makes them very hard to pick up and it leaves defenders and midfielders who are supposed to be tracking them in two minds.
Because United are at home, they will not change their way of playing - they're going to have that attacking line-up that has looked so good at times this season. You have five really attack-minded players with Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo out wide, Louis Saha running through the middle, Rooney dropping off into spaces and Scholes pulling the strings behind them and also coming late into the box.
Chelsea must adapt - and Jose Mourinho will go there looking to counter United's strengths before thinking about imposing his style of play. Both main strikers, Saha and Didier Drogba, are having good seasons. They are both very strong with their back to goal and are capable of eliminating their markers in a one-to-one situation. That's something that Saha has brought to United's attack this season.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is more of a poacher but didn't have those runs that Saha makes, runs that give United extra options. He has done fantastically well this season, but you do have to wonder if his confidence will be affected by the misfortunes he suffered against Celtic. Obviously it is a game with a lot of pressure and he might just be feeling a bit groggy. The first few minutes of the game will be crucial for him: he needs to expel the bad memories of his last game so the first few touches will be vital if he is to re-establish his confidence. Chelsea will know all about that and they will be looking to put him under pressure right from the start. I'm sure they will be very rigorous in the attention they pay to him.
Drogba took a knock against Werder Bremen and Mourinho will want him to be fit for this game desperately. Drogba has led from the front all season and now we are really seeing the best of him. He can hold up the ball, will challenge for everything and has now hit a great scoring streak.
Mourinho's confidence in him is now being paid back and you sense a great complicity between the two of them. If Drogba doesn't play, you have to think Chelsea's chances of winning are mightily reduced. And yet you probably wouldn't have said that a year ago.
In defence, Chelsea are showing more solidity. Mourinho will be hoping Ricardo Carvalho is fit today. Carvalho is very complementary to John Terry - they form the ideal centre-back pairing. There is pace, aggression, reading of the game, positional sense. They know each other's games inside out and they are really a great partnership. There's a kind of osmosis between them.
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are not quite in the same class. They are still at the beginning of their partnership and you sense that Vidic is still trying to adapt to the way Ferdinand plays. The good thing for United so far this season is they haven't been exposed too much thanks to the great deal of possession Ferguson's side usually have.
That is one of the reasons why I think this will be United's day - and United's season.
Who stops Scholes?
I'm sure Jose Mourinho is going to prepare an anti-Paul Scholes plan. They know that if they can stop him being effective, then they are halfway there. He's at the root of so much for United. Ideally, you would want Claude Makelele to be on his case, because he's probably the best in the world at snuffing out danger. But with Scholes that's not going to be possible, because Claude has to sit in front of the defence, that's where he's so good, and if he follows Scholes he'll be putting too much distance between himself and his centre-backs.
So who will try to snuff out the Scholes danger? That's the big question for Mourinho in my view, because with Chelsea's midfield you are not entirely sure of who is operating in which zone and when.
Michael Essien is a great defensive midfielder with a bundle of energy, but he's probably going to have to come over to one of the flanks to assist the full-back, maybe on the right to help out Geremi. Which means, as we saw in Chelsea's away game against Barcelona, Frank Lampard tracking back to help Ashley Cole on the left.
With United playing two real wide men in Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, it's important for those midfielders to help out the full-backs, but it creates the problem we're talking about. Is Michael Ballack (left) the man to pick up Scholes's runs? Does he have that discipline? That's going to be fascinating - and maybe the key to the game.
Geremi must be at his best
Even though Cristiano Ronaldo is right-footed, he seems to come over to the left more and more. It's one of United's strengths that he and Ryan Giggs switch flanks with such ease. Ronaldo (right) against Geremi will be fascinating.
Geremi is a very disciplined defender, but right-back is not really his best position. It's true he's full of confidence right now, though. The free-kick he struck last week against West Ham was an example of a player full of self-belief. Jose Mourinho has other options at right-back, but I think he will stick with Geremi because he's the man in form. He's physically very strong, even though he can be caught out of position at times.
Ronaldo still has a lot of waste in his game. When he cuts out some of the showy stuff he will be even better. I'm a big fan of Damien Duff, but right now Ronaldo is probably the best wide man in England. His dribbling abilities are second to none and if he can work his way past Geremi then Chelsea will be in trouble.
Geremi will be really up for it and be looking to prevent Ronaldo turning on the ball. The key is being really tight on him, getting in your challenge before he has time to get his balance and start to play with the ball at his feet. Geremi will have to be extremely vigilant and also rely on the support of Michael Essien, who will need to track back to double up on him when United are in possession.
* * *
Premiership Preview; Manchester United v Chelsea
Stephen Orford
"Possession and the ability to retain it will be paramount."
Manchester United host Chelsea on Sunday (November 26) in a arguably the biggest clash of the Premiership season so far.
United hold a three-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the table, as they attempt to wrest the title from the grasp of the champions. Jose Mourinho’s men have scooped the honours with plenty to spare over the past two seasons, but United’s fast start to this campaign has raised hopes of a genuine title race in 2006/07.
That said, this clash is unlikely to prove a title decider. Despite the attempts of some to bill it as such, there will still be 24 league games to play for each side after this one, while an improving Arsenal side should not be ruled out at this stage either. A United win would be significant, as it would open up a six-point advantage over Chelsea, yet there are sure to be many twists and turns between now and the season’s May denouement.
Both sides suffered surprising defeats in the Champions League in midweek, yet it is United whose loss was most keenly felt. Defeat to Celtic at Parkhead on Tuesday (November 21) left them needing a point from their last group game at home to Benfica to reach the last 16, with the ghosts of their previous campaign threatening to come back to haunt them. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Werder Bremen in Germany did little to halt their progress in Europe, as qualification for the knock-out stages was achieved in any case.
Chelsea welcome back Frank Lampard for the visit to Old Trafford. Lampard was suspended for the trip to Bremen, and will slot straight back into a central midfield role. Doubts about Michael Ballack’s fitness could make Lampard’s presence even more crucial, although the former Bayern Munich star is expected to be fit. Mourinho could move the versatile and so far ever-present Michael Essien into Ballack’s position should the worst happen, with Claude Makelele still screening the back four as well as anyone in European football.
Didier Drogba is in the form of his life, and his ability to recover from an ankle knock could have a bearing on the outcome of this one. Yet Chelsea do have Andriy Shevchenko at their disposal and could use any of Arjen Robben, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips in wide roles in support of the Ukranian if Drogba doesn‘t make it. Shevchenko is yet to find his best form since moving to the Premiership, but is known to prosper on the bigger stages.
Defensively Ricardo Carvalho is back in contention for selection after recovering from an ankle problem of his own, and looks likely to partner John Terry in central defence. Wayne Bridge signed a new four-year deal at Stamford Bridge on Thursday (November 23) but is set to once again occupy a place on the bench as Ashley Cole continues at left-back. Mourinho’s selection at right-back will be interesting, with the recently rejuvenated Geremi, Khalid Boulahrouz and Paulo Ferreira all in contention to be handed the task of stifling Ryan Giggs.
Currently the United team almost picks itself. Much has been made about the shortcomings of the back-ups in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, but the first choice unit continues to impress. Nemanja Vidic appears to have established himself ahead of Wes Brown as Rio Ferdinand’s regular central defensive partner, while the only other battle for selection seems to be between Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze at left-back.
The real keys for United will be the performances of Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo in wide midfield roles, the ability of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick to keep possession in central midfield, and the form of Wayne Rooney in behind striker Louis Saha. Rooney broke a foot in his last appearance against the Blues back in April, but has looked back to his magical best in recent weeks.
Chelsea’s recent emergence as the major force in English football is reflected in the overall head-to-head between the two in league clashes. United have won 54 of 128 previous league meetings, losing 36 times , with 38 games drawn. At Old Trafford the home side’s advantage is similarly significant, with 25 wins to Chelsea’s 17, and 22 draws.
With Ferguson desperate not to allow the gap to close, look for a slightly less gung-ho approach than usual from the United manager. Possession and the ability to retain it will be paramount, as will the central midfield area. Ferguson would love to have a genuine ball-winner in the Roy Keane mould in his engine room to combat Chelsea’s strength in that area, but will instead have to rely on the neat passing of Scholes and Carrick to starve the Blues of the ball in key areas.
Never one for all-out attack, Mourinho is not likely to change his philosophy in his side’s toughest away game. A draw would not be a disaster for either side with so many games left to play, and seems the most likely outcome.
Verdict; Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1
* * *
Manchester United vs Chelsea: What will Howard Webb do?
Howard Webb is the rising star of the refereeing ranks and as a result the referee from south Yorkshire has got probably the biggest game of the first half of the season. He doesn't strike me as a 'celebrity' referee; the kind of referee who would sign autographs before a match, like Graham Poll. But, nevertheless, Ladbrokes have opened a book on how his celebrity will be remembered.
Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said:
"It seems that some referees are keen to be as big a star as the players - so if you can't beat them join them."
Ladbrokes are also betting on which player will be shown the first card in the Sunday showdown - with Michael Ballack and John Terry the 8/1 joint favourites.
The German midfielder has already picked up five bookings in the Premier League, whilst the England captain has three to his name.
Which referee will Howard Webb be on Sunday ?
'Urs Meier'
To disallow a goal 3/1
'Paul Alcock'
To fall over on the pitch during the 90 minutes 4/1
'Mike Riley'
To award Manchester United a penalty 4/1
'Mark Clattenburg'
Fail to give a goal which has crossed the line or 8/1
Book any player for leaving the pitch
'Graham Poll'
To send a player off for abusive language ? 20/1
'Mark Halsey'
To send a player off for a goal celebration ? 40/1
'Anders Frisk'
Fail To complete the whole game or 40/1
Announce his retirement after the match
Who will be shown the first card at Old Trafford ?
Ballack 8/1
Terry 8/1
Scholes 9/1
Lampard 10/1
Rooney 12/1
Carvalho 12/1
Ashley Cole 12/1
Brown 14/1
Drogba 14/1
Richardson 14/1
Essien 14/1
Mikel 14/1
Makelele 14/1
Boulahrouz 14/1
C Ronaldo 16/1
Heinze 16/1
Evra 20/1
Silvestre 20/1
Paulo Ferreira 20/1
Saha 20/1
Joe Cole 20/1
Fletcher 20/1
Geremi 20/1
O'Shea 20/1
R Ferdinand 20/1
G Neville 20/1
Shevchenko 25/1
Giggs 25/1
Robben 25/1
Bridge 25/1
Carrick 33/1
Cudicini 33/1
Wright-Phillips 40/1
Van Der Sar 50/1
* * *
Why Manchester United and Chelsea Will Draw
Kieran McHugh
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Kieran McHugh claims to be part man, part football...
[full biography]
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26/11/2006 10:00:00.
read: 337 times.
"A measure of perspective is required about the relative importance of this one match. There are, as in every other game, only three points available for a win."
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There are some games that are destined to finish all square. The bore draw stands out a mile in some fixture lists. A match best forgotten by those unfortunate enough to have paid to watch still sticks in my memory. Walking sadly away from the Layer Road end one Boxing Day, having witnessed a thoroughly drab goalless draw played out against Torquay, the thought that I knew it would finish scoreless wouldn’t go away.
It didn’t take a genius to work out a 2-2 draw might be the result when Sweden and Denmark got together, thus knocking future World Champions Italy out of the European Championships in Portugal. Similarly, Porto versus Arsenal in Matchday Six of the Champions League ending in a draw looks a distinct possibility. For my money the draw on Sunday looks the most likely prospect.
In most matches there is a result that makes one or other of the teams happy, and the other disappointed. The draw is the third way. In some cases a draw can be a welcome point, something to take heart from. A point is often known as a “valuable” point. These are to be found in abundance currently in the away dressing room at the Emirates Stadium. The third way for Arsenal means “two points lost”. It’s a question of perspective.
For the Scandinavian carve up in 2004 it just so happened that one result could keep everybody happy. Everybody apart from the Italians that is. In the upcoming Champions League game in Oporto, the draw will keep both parties alive in the competition and no harm will be done. Apart from in Moscow where CSKA will be dumped out.
In regard to the top of the table clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, I can see the third way being an irresistible get out clause for both managers. A win for either would be a massive boost. Psychologically, the landing of a blow now would pay huge dividends for the real crunch games to come. Should the sides stay neck and neck when the bums start squeaking, Sir Alex or Jose would waste no time in reminding his counterpart of a crisp winters day in Manchester where his side came out on top. In terms of the Championship though this is, boring as it may be, just another match. Either side could win and it will decide nothing.
Should United take the points and pull six clear at the top, the chances are that Ferguson will play down the significance of the result, and rightly so. Six points at this stage of the season is a comfortable lead, but the champagne will not even have been ordered, never mind put on ice.
Should Chelsea win, and draw level, Mourinho is unlikely to start his customary trick of naming the match that his side will be crowned Champions. A measure of perspective is required about the relative importance of this one match. There are, as in every other game, only three points available for a win.
Speaking of customs, there should be one or two that are adhered to on Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson has been known to rouse his side before home matches by informing them that the opposition is expecting United to come at them 100 miles per hour from the start. He then goes on to hope that the opposition don’t leave Old Trafford disappointed on that score. United will come flying out of the traps on Sunday. The “derby” atmosphere once associated with games against Arsenal should be in evidence.
Both sides will be looking to bounce back after losing in midweek. Whilst the best way to do this would be to record a win, a point in such a high profile game, would be a disaster for neither. Both managers could shake hands at the final whistle, claim a morale victory of sorts and retreat to fight battles later in the season.
Then there is the way each side will most likely shape up. United are more predisposed to attack. They are in front of their own fans. They haven’t been this close to Chelsea at this stage of the season since Mourinho took over. They can smell blood. They will go forward. Chelsea though are masters of doing just enough to win a game and whilst they’d love to win handsomely at Old Trafford, the chances are that goals will be at a premium.
With United going forward and Chelsea happy to soak it up and hit on the break, a goal for either would not be enough to seal the game. Should Chelsea score first, United will simply up the tempo looking to increase the pressure on Chelsea. Of course, if Chelsea score once, they could score again, but a goal for the Blues will see United desperate to respond. Sir Alex will throw as many men forward in search of an equaliser as he can.
If United open the scoring, the crowd will be baying for them to get a second and kill off the Champions. Depending on the clock, Chelsea are patient enough not to panic at being a goal down and clinical enough to make the most of their chances.
The most telling factor though takes me back to Layer Road and that dismal 0-0 draw many years ago. A draw back then ensured no one got woken up in the crowd, the referee didn’t have to write up a report and the players could keep themselves warm and run off their hangovers without having to tire themselves out too much. It simply suited everyone to split the points.
And whilst Layer Road may never bear witness to a crunch match at the sharp end, by banging on about that awful 0-0 draw 20 years ago, I have already managed to win one small bet this weekend. By betting on the draw on Sunday, I should make it a double.
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Manchester United vs FC Chelsea
