We have called this one a ‘crunch game’ but, in truth that is only really the case for the hosts this weekend. Chelsea have had such a great start to their campaign – did we expect anything else now that Jose has had time to make his mark – that they could easily afford to lose this one and still be top.
Of course, defeat isn’t a result that Jose will countenance and he may well be looking to put this giant well and truly our of the title race on Sunday. Because, victory for The Blues will put them 13 clear of United.
We expect United to awake from their slumber and come good as the seasons matures. We expect them to come really good with the talent at their disposal. So any points at Old Trafford can postpone that charge.
The obvious problem for Jose is up top where Loic Remy was injured on Tuesday evening. The Telegraph also reports that Costa has been ruled out of this one.
Mourinho claimed on Tuesday night that he did not expect Remy or Costa to be fit for the United game, but Remy is more hopeful.
Notice the use of the word ‘claimed’ rather than ‘confirmed’ there. We all know Jose too well to be fooled into thinking this one is black and white. We won’t truly know if Costa is fit until the teams are announced before kick off. Remy too could be fit after claiming that the groin injury which forced him off early against Maribor wasn’t as bad as first thought:
“Yes, it’s frustrating of course because I had a chance to play because Costa is injured but I am not afraid. I don’t think it is really bad. We will check and I really hope to play again this weekend.
We still think the the Spaniard will play but, assuming the Chelsea boss is giving us the whole truth it may be time for Didier Drogba to prove that he can be more than a mascot for the team this season. At 36 his powers have clearly waned but we don’t yet know to what extent.
Apart from that Mikel is injured but we expect to see Andre Schurrle and Ramires back in the squad.
Willian and Hazard have been flying on the wings so we think they deserve to start. Chelsea will either put Fabregas in the hole or pull him back to a deeper position beside Matic with Oscar at number 10. This depends on the fitness of Ramires. We strongly believe that if Ramires is fit enough he will start beside Matic. But if not then it’s Oscar behind the front man.
So here is our Chelsea team, fitness permitting, for what should be a belter. Chelsea fans: agreed?
kefas
Oct 23, 2014 at 12:31 pm
man utd 3-1 chelsea