Chelsea vs. Manchester United - Preview
By Chris O'Brien / David Hobbs
November 29 2003
Manchester United face one of their toughest tests of the season, as they visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday to take on new-look title contenders Chelsea. Chelsea will be without former United midfielder Juan Sebastain Veron due to a back strain.
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Chelsea vs.
Manchester United |
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Manchester United face one of their toughest tests of the season, as they visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday to take on new-look title contenders Chelsea. Since Russian oil-tycoon Roman Abramovich bought the London-outfit during pre-season, over £120,000,000 has been spent on transfers as Chelsea look to buy their way to a first league championship in 48 years. So far, this formula seems to be working and despite some inconsistent performances, 5-0 hammerings of Lazio and Newcastle United have shown that the custom-made side possesses sheer quality. Sir Alex Ferguson's side go into tomorrow's game on a six-match winning run, but with Chelsea unbeaten at home all season, it will take a mass effort from United, playing their 4000th league fixture, to continue the winning habit. However, Claudio Ranieri's sides last game wouldn't have struck fear into watching United scouts. A shaky performance saw the Londoners draw 0-0 with Sparta Prague, as Chelsea relied on other results to secure early qualification to the second phase of the European Cup. United skipper Roy Keane is likely to return to the heart of midfield and Rio Ferdinand and Mikael Silvestre have recovered from minor knocks. Chelsea will be without former United midfielder Juan Sebastain Veron due to a back strain, but Glen Johnson is back in the squad after missing their midweek game against Sparta due to suspension. Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Melchiot, Terry, Bridge, Gallas, Desailly, Makelele, Babayaro, Lampard Cole, Duff, Gudjohnsen, Hasselbaink, Geremi, Crespo, Mutu, Gronkjaer, Stanic, Johnson, Ambrosio. Man Utd (from): Howard, Carroll, G Neville, Fortune, O'Shea, Silvestre, Ferdinand, , Keane, Fletcher Ronaldo, Djemba-Djemba, , P Neville, Kleberson, Butt, Giggs, Forlan, van Nistelrooy, , Bellion. |
| One to Watch - Hernan Crespo |
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If the Argentine international should start
instead of Mutu, Gudjohnsen or Hasselbaink, he should cause havoc amongst the
United defence.
The £16,800,000 man has proved that he can score goals anywhere- Serie A, The Premiership and international level. |
| ManUtdWeb Prediction - Chelsea 1 - Manchester United 1 |
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I'm quite pessimistic about this away fixture.
I think Chelsea will hold Unite to a 1-1 draw.
U-N-I-T-E-D |
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