Sport Cafe

by Darren Witcoop

Filed under: Chelsea, Manchester United, Premier League, Football, Match Previews

PREMIER LEAGUE: OLD TRAFFORD, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1600 BST The youngest Premier League manager pits his wits against the oldest - but don't expect there to be a similar mismatch on the pitch. Because what Andre Villas-Boas, 33, may lack in age compared to Sir Alex Ferguson, his Chelsea side will make up in experience in matches that have frequently been too close to call in recent years. While Ferguson has rebuilt by introducing younger players, Chelsea have largley kept faith with the tried and tested as they seek to rediscover the winning formula and wrestle the title back from Old Trafford. There's no question Manchester United have had it all their own way so far this season, but they face their biggest test yet when Chelsea visit. Tweeter Facebook FourSquare iPhone While they dismantled a struggling Arsenal side by eight goals and saw off Bolton in a five-star display, they won't find it so easy against the Blues. But how Villas-Boas now needs Fernando Torres to shine. The Spaniard has a good goalscoring record against Manchester United but he doesn't look close to repeating those past exploits at the moment. Bereft of confidence, and short of goals, his starting place would be under more threat if Didier Drogba were fit. This, though, could be the game that may just kick-start his career at Chelsea into life. And if he can replicate the form that gave Ferguson's men such a torrid time in 2008, then it will serve as a reminder that London will have as much of a say in the title race as Manchester. Key Match-Up: Wayne Rooney v John Terry: These two have enjoyed various battles down the years and it will be business as usual here. Rooney is the league's form player and has hit back-to-back hat-tricks in the Premier League. He won't have it so easy against Terry, but the defender will have to use all his experience and knowhow on Rooney to keep him quiet. Form Guide: Manchester United are flying and have scored goals for fun. They have won four league games on the bounce, scoring 18 times in the process. Chelsea have also made a strong start and have collected three wins and a draw. Odds: Manchester United 4/5, Chelsea 7/2, Draw 5/2 MANCHESTER UNITED: Ferguson refuses to dismiss Chelsea's title threat and claims he won't let them slip under the radar. The spotlight has been off Chelsea and firmly on rivals Manchester City following their eye-catching start to the new season. But the Manchester United manager says you write off Chelsea, who have been his side's main rivals during the last seven years, at your peril. He said: "They will be there at the end of the season, there is no doubt about that. "At the moment the two Manchester teams are enjoying the publicity that comes from the predictions that they are going to be involved in the winning the league. "But in the background lurks Chelsea. They will be enjoying being out of the profile at the moment. "And they are a team with great experience and they will always be a challenge to us." Ferguson, who expects this to be another tight game, reserved praise for opposite number Villas-Boas as he comes to terms with leading one of the biggest clubs in Europe. He added: "He has started very well. "For a young man who has come in at Chelsea, it's a great challenge. "It's a hard challenge at his age but when you go to a new club, you hope you get an immediate response. He has got that." Strategy: In every game this season, Manchester United have come surging out of the blocks and don't expect any different here. In the resulting fixture last season, they scored early on which set the tone. After resting several players in Europe, Ferguson will recall the likes of Javier Hernandez, Rio Ferdinand and Anderson. Injury Update: Nemanja Vidic remains out. The captain is joined on the sidelines by Rafael (shoulder), Tom Cleverley (ankle) and Danny Welbeck (hamstring). CHELSEA: Chelsea manager Villas-Boas has attempted to play down the notion that this game could shape the title race. Chelsea trail Manchester neighbours United and City by two points after four games, but Villas-Boas points to the fact that there are still 34 games to go. He said: "It's early doors. In my small experience in this life, and observing the behaviour of the Premier League table, it won't be determinate for the Premier League table. "Whatever happens in the game is not decisive because of the 'pattern'. If you focus on statistics and you can see how many points United were behind Newcastle 10 or 15 years ago, or Chelsea were last season. "It's the fifth game of the season, and it's still early. "Any manager who is judged after five games of a season, there's not something wrong with the manager but something wrong with the people who run clubs." Villas-Boas added he is pleased with Chelsea's start, and said: "We have made a good, strong start in the Premier League. "This game comes at a good time for us. Both teams feel very motivated and strong, so hopefully this will be enough for the spectacle to be excellent, which all of us should hope for. "Anything that comes out of this game won't mean anything in the long-term. "It might play to the motivation to the team who wins, or both if we draw, but let's wait and see." Strategy: Villas-Boas has a couple of dilemmas - namely whether to recall defender David Luiz to the starting line-up and which of his strikers to employ. He claims to have faith in the hopelessly out-of-form Torres, but concedes that Daniel Sturridge and Nicolas Anelka have also impressed. Injury update: Didier Drogba will miss out once again as he recovers from the blow to the head he took last week. Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull is struggling with a knock, as is fellow stopper Hilario, although Villas-Boas said one would make the Chelsea bench.

 

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