Manchester United vs Chelsea

Manchester United vs Chelsea 11/01/2009
Kick Off : 16:00
Venue : Old Trafford

This, in recent times, has been the fixture that United and Cheslea fans look forward two. Undisputedly the top two teams in England of the last 5 years collide at Old Trafford. Cheslea know a win will all but eradicate the gap to leaders Liverpool, whilst United need to turn games-in-hand into points. When the giants collided earlier this season, late Kalou equaliser canceled out Park's early tap in finish to send both sides home relatively happy. Now, there's more on the line as both teams look to turn good seasons into great ones.
Alex Ferguson has a disappointing tendency to field workaholic Ji-Sung Park in the big games, sacrificing the flair and sparkle of Nani, or the level-headed Ryan Giggs. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra return after injuries and suspensions respectively. Long term absentee Owen Hargreaves is still on the treatment table and Wes Brown also sits out.
Cheslea are boosted by two returning big names; John Terry and Michael Ballack - both previously suspended. It is as of yet unknown as to whether Jose Bosingwa will play. The increasingly impressive Florent Malouda misses out.
A draw here for Manchester United wouldn't be so bad. It would still mean United could go within touching distance of Liverpool - although they will relinquish the chance to go top after games-in hand. Chelsea cannot afford another slip up as in recent weeks Liverpool have been let of the hook by the Blues matching their poop points return. A win here puts Chelsea 1 point behind Liverpool and makes them Premier League favourites. Chelsea must be weary that a loss here puts Aston Villa one point behind them with equal games played - Arsenal a further 3 points back. A loss today could have spiralling consequences for the Blues. Expect Scolari to go for the win.

Possible Lineups
Manchester United - 1 d. v. E. Sar, 2 G. Neville, 15 N. Vidic, 23 J. Evans, 3 P. Evra, 7 C. Ronaldo, 16 M. Carrick, 18 P. Scholes, 13 JS. Park, 10 W. Rooney, 9 D. Berbatov

Chelsea : 1 P. Cech, 17 J. Bosingwa, 26 J. Terry, 33 R. Alex, 3 A. Cole, 21 S. Kalou, 13 M. Ballack, 12 O. J. Mikel, 8 F. Lampard, 10 J. Cole, 11 D. Drogba