Chelsea vs Manchester United: The key battles

Chelsea will see their match against Manchester United on Sunday as the perfect opportunity to run away at the top of the English Premier League with a seven-point lead. While Roberto Di Matteo will see this as a considerable step towards a first league title since 2009-10, Alex Ferguson will see this as a match as one which even if his team wins, could see them go on a fine run of wins. They have been lackluster but a match against Chelsea will be the sort of game which will help his players shake of the rustiness which has so often marred their recent performances. If they lose, then it will be a big blow to their early season hopes. Here are the key player battles which will go a long way in determining the outcome of this match. Obi Mikel vs Wayne Rooney: Mikel has been a constant presence in Di Matteo’s team this season. He is their primary game breaker and will be up against United’s main playmaker. Rooney has played in the hole behind Robin van Persie, trying to free up Danny Welbeck and Antonio Valencia on the wings and soaking up defensive pressure from Michael Carrick. But he will be against a formidably sized opponent in Mikel even though skill might have the final say. Rooney also has the mental edge against Mikel when it comes to making the right decision, with the Nigerian prone to some atrocious mistakes in the past which Chelsea have paid for. Gary Cahill vs Robin van Persie: Cahill’s stepped up in the absence of John Terry and will continue in the centre of defence. He is certainly better in the air than the Dutchman and probably a tad faster too, but RVP is brilliant at breaking the offside trap and will make the most of the slightest of space offered. If Van Persie can get into more central areas than on the wings, then Cahill will have to be at his best. [caption id=“attachment_505803” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Can Rooney change the game for United? Getty Images[/caption] Juan Mata vs Patrice Evra: Only one winner as it stands. Mata starts on the left for Chelsea but most of his moves against Tottenham last week came from the right. He will be everywhere and swap places with Eden Hazard, and that in itself should confuse Evra. With the French left back wandering forward on every occasion, Mata will have enough space to exploit and his form should see him give another excellent performance. In last season’s 3-3 draw against United, he had one assist and one goal… that should say enough of what he can do. Eden Hazard vs Rafael: Again, this is how Chelsea usually start, but Hazard comes inside, sends Oscar wide, allows Fernando Torres to play on the wings. Basically, he’s the guy who makes Chelsea tick. He will end up in places where Rafael will chase him and leave space on the wings. The Brazilian is a loose cannon at times and Hazard’s flair should frustrate him. But he has his own moves and is fast and silky, so this one should be an interesting affair. Ashley Cole vs Antonio Valencia: United need Valencia to put in a high quality performance. He is strong, fast, their best crosser and their no.7. So much is expected of him and this is the time to show what he’s made of. In six EPL appearances, he has managed three assists and remains their focal point of creating chances in the box. If Valencia is fast and strong, then Cole is no pushover. He is their most consistent defender and being a left-footer will have a slight advantage when it comes to blocking a very right-footed Valencia. While these five battles will be key in the attacking thirds, there’s also Fernando Torres vs Rio Ferdinand and Ramires vs Michael Carrick which will be tasty encounters. Torres has been in good form and should, in the form that he is, trouble United’s defence with his hold up play and newly formed understanding with Mata and Hazard. Carrick will have to sit deep to command Ramires’ respect, because the Chelsea man likes driving forward, leaving defenders in the wake while he does so. While these two are inseparable when they’re at their best, there is currently only one of them who look like winning. But if Chelsea are in supreme form, they have to contend with United’s unbreakable belief… a belief which has always helped them get out of such tricky ties.