English Premier League - Showdown!
The top two in the E.P.L. fight for the title at High Noon, 26-4-08
This weekends clash between current champions Manchester United and the only team who can prevent them retaining the title, Chelsea, is set to be a classic.
In the Blue corner…
Challengers Chelsea have weathered a season of transition well, and at time of going to press, are still in the hunt for two trophies. When previous manager Jose Mourinho left the club by 'mutual consent' in November 2007, many predicted Chelsea would fade dramatically in the second half of the domestic season. Instead, supposed interim manager Avram Grant has steadied a ship that looked on the rocks, and guided The Blues to within touching distance of the two biggest trophies in European club football. Having seen off the challenge of Arsenal, Manchester United have been unable to shake off Chelsea completely, and the lead is down to just three points going into this potentially decisive meeting between the two best teams in the top tier of English football. Chelsea are, like United, playing this match between two legs of a European Cup Semi-Final. Having equalised in the last minute of Tuesday's match with Liverpool, they will be psychologically boosted by such a dramatic twist in their favour. With International big-hitters like Drogba and Malouda now fit again, and the bedrock of their defence, John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, ready to preserve their incredible undefeated home record (currently at 80 matches in the EPL), Chelsea will be formidable opponents at the fortress of Stamford Bridge. Midfield may be a crucial area of weakness, however, with Frank Lampard ruled out due to compassionate leave after the death of his mother Pat this week.
In the Red corner…
Champions Manchester United, meanwhile, are travelling to Stamford Bridge in search of the win that would crown them Champions due to their vastly superior goal difference. With United having started the season abysmally, the Red Devils have recovered in awesome style, first overtaking Arsenal's early lead, then establishing one of their own as they march towards a tenth Premier League title. Having held Barcelona 0-0 in the Nou Camp on Wednesday night, United have had one less day to prepare, though. They are also facing the possibility of Nemanja Vidic's stomach complaint from midweek keeping him out of the side in a hugely important game. However, should United end Chelsea's impressive home record, they will retain the title by virtue of their goal difference, which would stand at +19 at a minumum in the event of an away victory. With midfield schemer Anderson sure to play after sitting out the Barcelona away game in midweek, Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to reshuffle his pack and keep the team fresh. Expect Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo both to start, however, with the former in a more central role compared to his wing-duty in Spain.
Countdown Begins...
With so much at stake, both teams are unlikely to go all-out for three points. However, an early goal for United would open up the match; Chelsea simply have to win, and with the spectre of losing out on another title hanging over them, how they conquer the fear of losing their iompressive home streak too, will be crucial. Should Chelsea score, the game may tighten up, with the home side more desperate to preserve a lead than improve upon it. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, but the engine room may well turn out to be where the match is won and lost.
