The matches against Arsenal and Tottenham might have been big tests for this new-look Chelsea in the league, but the real one comes this weekend in the form of Manchester United. As in many other seasons, United have not made a great start. Their defence looks extremely weak and they have already lost two games this season.
However, it is for sure that they will be challenging at the top of the table come the end of the season. Therefore, it will give a significant mental boost for Chelsea if we manage to win this one, especially given that this is early in the season. A win opens a seven-point advantage, which may not be unassailable now but it will be significant at the end, over United.
The 2-1 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk might be a blessing in disguise because it would have eliminated any over confidence and lackadaisical attitude that the team might have had. Since our last defeat against Atletico Madrid, we have gone almost two months without another. Hence, I am hoping that we go on a similar run this time around as well.
Two influential players for Chelsea in the last decade – Frank Lampard and John Terry – will both be unavailable for this match. However, Roberto di Matteo welcomes Marko Marin into the squad. Kagawa, Vidic, and Phil Jones will be the main absentees for United.
Ferguson found a way to outwit Scolari’s Chelsea a few years ago after we made a great start to the season. He has once again spoken about coming up against a plan to overcome the brilliant midfield of Chelsea. Let us hope that he is not successful this time around.
Possible team line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Torres
Manchester United (4-4-1-1): De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Welbeck, Rooney, Van Persie
My Prediction: Chelsea to win 3-1
Kick-off time: 16:00 (BST)
hi Chelsea fan here too!