This game couldn't have come at a worse time for the hosts. Europa League winners, Chelsea have a date with Bayern Munich on Friday with the UEFA Super Cup up for grabs. But it is their courting of Wayne Rooney that is the main concern for the red army. The English international wants out....However, the Club he has served for nine successful years don't want to sell to a rival side as that will be extremely stupid. Strengthening a direct challenger is not exactly a good idea.
David Moyes has moaned and grumbled about the difficult fixture list that includes Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in the first five games of the season. Despite the very impressive start to the season, the Scot will be taking nothing for granted as Mourinho and Chelsea come visiting on Monday. The pensioners currently sit at the top of the Premier League courtesy of two good wins v Hull City and Aston Villa, the latter the more difficult. Nevertheless, they are aware that Manchester United is a different kettle of fish and have a point or two to prove in the anticipated encounter. Chelsea have been active on the transfer front yet again, with the Special One jumping the queue and in pole position to land Brazilian playmaker, Willian from cash strapped Anzhi. The former Shakhtar man was heavily linked with Spurs and was even rumoured to have passed a medical at the North London club only for Chelsea to snatch him from their grasp. Jose didn't even put his protege, Villas-Boas into consideration. Business is Business it seems. W e are waiting to find out the outcome of this transfer drama. Asides the multi-talented South American, Chelsea also intend to lure African Legend, Samuel Eto'o from the same Russian Club and have promised to pay him a paltry four million pounds a year compared to the 17 million he earns over there in Eastern Europe. The highest paid footballer in the World might see that as too low for his high standards, except he is willing to sacrifice so much to join his former boss(at Inter Milan). Back to why we are here.
Manchester United have been very quiet in the Transfer Market. Apart from raising the hopes of fans with some rather unrealistic pursuits, nothing serious has happened on the recruitment front which is a source of worry for all those associated with the Premier League defending Champions. The likes of Fabregas and Thiago were pursued without success and now they have been linked with Ozil, Fellaini, Baines, Kaka, etc. It has even gone so awry that Everton of all clubs would reject a bid from a massively big club in the mould of Manchester United. In the light of all these, the club still claimed its first piece of silverware two weeks ago at Wembley and spanked Swansea on their very own turf last weekend to lay down a marker. Irrespective of Squad depth, the 20-time English League Champions will remain a force to reckon with season after season. Sir Alex is gone, so it is a new dawn and a new era with the less fancied Moyes eager to build his own dynasty. He has started too badly. The likes of Ashley Young, Nani, and Chicharito are still nursing injuries and will play no part. Teenage sensation, Adnan Januzaj was in sparkling form as Manchester United's U21s ran riot at West Brom yesterday. He will very much want to be part of the manager's p;ans for this much hyped game. Wilf Zaha didn't get a chance make his long awaited Manchester United League debut in Wales last time out. He is in line to make an appearance on Monday night. Rafael Da Silva is out of contention for the game due to injury and suspension.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
MANCHESTER UNITED
DDG, Jones, Rio, Evans/Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Anderson, Carrick, Rooney, Welbeck, RVP
Moyes will be hoping Wayne Rooney has a clear head for this very important encounter as it is the very same club that is willing to add him to its ranks. If events of last weekend are to go by, he deserves to make the starting eleven. Rumours of him being unhappy because he refused to celebrate with his teammates when they scored are overstated and who cares if he doesn't join in the celebrations? As long as he provides assists such as the one that led to Welbeck's second and his all round play is deemed more than satisfactory, the rest becomes paper/media nonsense. The gaffer needs to pile up the midfield because the West London visitors have arguably the best midfield in the League. The defence with the exclusion of Rafael, should be enough to keep the Chelsea frontline at bay.
CHELSEA
Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Oscar, Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku
Knowing Jose Mourinho, he most certainly won't keep faith in Demba Ba despite his above average showing in midweek. It is goals that matter for a marksman and none of his have delivered so far. He will probably give Romelu Lukaku the chance he deserves after such a fantastic season at the Hawthorns which culminated in a glorious hat-trick v Manchester United in what was Sir Alex Ferguson's last game as manager. Juan Mata might also make way for Kevin De Bruyne. Otherwise, it is pretty much the same side that has lined up in the previous two games of the season. David Luiz is still injured, but has a chance of making the subs bench and will be fit for the Super Cup match in Prague next Friday.
Jose Mourinho doesn't seem to like Mata a lot and this will bode well for opponents this season. the Spanish technician is miles better than many in his trade and has been Chelsea's best player of the last two seasons. It is even touted in some quarters that he might be included in a deal that will bring Wayne Rooney to the Bridge. United will be mad not to accept such an irresistible offer.
Let's hope to the game lives up to the billing. Touted as a potential title decider has added more spice to the eagerly anticipated match up.
Ohireime P Eboreime
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