Form guide
In a rematch of the 2008 final in Moscow, Chelsea and United resume battle in the UEFA Champions League, this time with a place in the semi-final up for grabs. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have a good home record against the Reds, unbeaten in the last 10 meetings at Stamford Bridge. United are in confident mood, however, following a morale-boosting come-from-behind victory at West Ham on Saturday.
Ins and outs
Chelsea are still without Yossi Benayoun (Achilles) and Alex (knee) while January signing David Luiz, a thorn in United's side during last month's league clash, is ineligible to play in the Champions League. Otherwise, Carlo Ancelotti has a full squad at his disposal and may field £50million striker Fernando Torres from the start. Sir Alex Ferguson should welcome back Edwin van der Sar, who missed the West Ham game as a precaution due to a groin problem. Rio Ferdinand and Rafael could both feature in defence after their return to full training, but Anderson and Darren Fletcher are still unavailable in midfield.
Last meeting
Who could forget this one? United, looking to extend the lead over Chelsea in the title race, were desperately unlucky to be beaten following a spirited and, at times, dominant display at the Bridge. Wayne Rooney fired the Reds in front, before a goal from David Luiz and a late Frank Lampard penalty turned the game and result on its head.
Top man
Lampard may not be the most glamorous name at Stamford Bridge but his value to the team is unrivalled. Consistency is arguably the vice-captain’s greatest strength, having hit double figures in the scoring charts during his last seven seasons – including a 26-goal haul last term.
Quote/unquote
“Since I’ve been at the club the games at Stamford Bridge have been odd. We don’t get outplayed there, that’s for sure. Unfortunately we haven’t had many good results, though. I’m sure our luck will change at some point.” – Michael Owen
Any sub-plots?
Revenge is likely to be banded about as Chelsea’s motivation, after coming within a spot-kick of winning the competition at United's expense during that famous night in Moscow. Penalties are not an option in this quarter-final first-leg, but away goals most definitely are and the Reds will be confident of progress if Rooney and co can score one or more at the Bridge.
Whistle-blower
Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco has been entrusted with this all-English affair, having refereed three Champions League matches this season. Most recently, he took charge of Roma’s 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in November.
Did you know?
Of the eight remaining teams in this year’s competition, United have the best defensive record having only conceded twice in eight games. The Reds also have the best disciplinary record, receiving just four yellow cards and no red.
Rivals watch
The other quarter-final ties are Real Madrid vs Tottenham and Inter vs Schalke (Tuesday), while Barcelona take on Shakhtar Donetsk at Camp Nou on Wednesday night.
No comments:
Post a Comment