Showdown at Old Trafford

In a few hours, Manchester United will kick-off one of the most important game of their season, at home against Chelsea with 3 points advantage in the Premiership. Both teams are off from a 0-1 lost in the Champions League in midweek, although the loss had more destructing effect on United’s campaign rather than that of Chelsea. Nevertheless, Manchester United form in the league this season has been brilliant, even when things went wrong, the team still managed to find a way to score the winning goal. That is what made them a little different from the sub-par team during the last couple of years. They are more determined … and they seems to have reasons to fight.

On the other hand, Chelsea team of superstars are just doing the minimum things to get them, well winning 1-0 against West Ham last week, and a few others games which they just won it without any impressive diplay given the strength and depth of their roster. Having said that, any manager would bark back at you with that comments with that what matter is 3 points at the end of day. Point taken. Couldn’t be more true, but in the context of football mangement, and totally NOT in the context of supporters … football fanatics. You probably could ask Johan Cruyff.

Two teams with momentums given different type of mentality, and with the English Premiership title is once again up for grabs for anyone else besides Chelsea, that’s why this is one of the biggest match for the Premiership heading into a hectic festive season. If United could extend the lead to 6 points, it would be the first time since 2003 –coincidentally that’s the last year of Beckham’s playing days at Old Trafford –the Red Devils have a real shot at the league title, once again. That would also signal to the rest of the Premiership teams that Chelsea is not afterall invincible. Well, of course the story could be totally different if Chelsea came out with a stunning victory just like what Arsenal did earlier this season without Thierry Henry.

mindcubes’ prediction

Rooney, when he’s on top form, has been able to perform huge on big games, either for Manchester United or for England. This will be no different, especially watching him in the last few league games, and with Saha looking tired, Rooney would be pivotal to United, as well as for Scholes and Carrick to continue performing the type of one-two touch passing game that Eric Cantona would be so proud to see. Giggs has shown that age is not a barrier to play at the highest level in the Premierhsip, and his assists would be crucial in this game, as well as for Ronaldo to continue his much improved form this season, albeit his needs to improve on his finishing touch. At the back , van der Sar needs to be on top of his game with Vidic continually becoming one of the best defenders that United have had in the past few years along with captain Neville ensuring a fine display as a wing back. United is alive again this season, and Chelsea would be able to taste what Bolton, Portsmouth, Liverpool, and Newcastle have experienced this season, that is United is back. And back with style.

UNITED 2 – CHELSEA 0