Capital One Cup 2012 Preview: Chelsea Vs Manchester United

Chelsea are set to host Man United on Wednesday, October 31, for the second time in succession, barely three days after a contentious league game between the Premier League giants.

That match saw some controversial refereeing decisions that went in Man United’s favour including the sending off of Ivanovic and Torres to reduce the Stamford Bridge squad to nine men. United won 3-2 — via Hernandez’s winning goal on 75 minutes — to reduce the difference between table leaders Chelsea and the Red Devils to a mere point.

Both teams are coming off wins in third round matches in the Capital Cup; Chelsea routed Wolves 6-0 while United edged out Newcastle 2-1.

Chelsea are going through a rough patch with losses against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League followed by the Premier League defeat to Man United. And with Torres and Ivanovic receiving red cards on Sunday, Di Matteo will have to play a weaker eleven than he would have preferred in Wednesday’s grudge game.Juan Mata who scored Chelsea’s first goal against United will be key to their performance on Wednesday, especially in the absence of Lampard (injured) and Terry (serving a ban).

Expect Man United to come at Chelsea with aggression on Wednesday as Sir Alex’s side would seek to add salt to the Stamford Bridge wounds. However, United’s defence was ramshackle on Sunday when they contrived to squander the lead on two separate occasions and that should be a cause of worry for the Red Devils.

Another consolation for Chelsea could be in the form of a second-string United eleven on Wednesday without the likes of Van Persie and Rooney. Sir Alex would not want to risk injuring his star strikers ahead of a looming league game with Arsenal. Chelsea, on the other hand, will travel to Swansea, a game they can expect to win at a stroll.

 

Tags: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle, Preview, referee, Rooney, Wolves

Category: Football