#360fans: Chelsea vs Man U - UAE preview

Sport360 staff 22:12 17/04/2015
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  • Will compatriots Hazard or Fellaini come out on top?

    Chelsea will be looking to take a step closer to securing the Premier League title with a win over a resurgent Manchester United side with their sights set on second place when the two sides meet this Saturday.

    To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked members of the respective UAE Supporters Clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

    Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.

    Toby Young – UAECSC

    Chelsea’s form of late has been patchy to say the least. The expansive football on display early season seems to have given way to a touch of nerves and tiredness.

    In the last few games it is clear that other teams seem to be playing with a higher tempo than earlier in the season and Chelsea have been caught cold.

    Since the last preview, and ultimate criticism after the home performance against PSG, I think it is fair to say that Chelsea have somewhat eked out victories as opposed to sweeping all before them.

    Manchester United come to Stamford Bridge in good form having spent the last few weeks marching up the table with a number of victories.

    I suspect this will be another match that LVG will have his team well drilled for despite their mounting injury list.

    Some of the more derided names of the last two seasons have been proving themselves more than capable in the last few weeks with Young and Fellaini looking key men.

    Although Chelsea have tended to play the same team throughout the season, there has had to be one major change in personnel in recent weeks. With Diego Costa injured and seemingly out until the end of April, I expect Loic Remy to start in his place up front.

    The rest of the team should be as expected with few other injury doubts. 

    Chelsea likely line-up: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Remy

    Chelsea player to watch: Eden Hazard – He has been fantastic over the last few weeks and has been involved in numerous goals to keep Chelsea at the summit. If he can play to his best, then Chelsea should have a much better opportunity to maintain their lead at the top. 

    United player to watch: Juan Mata – Returning heroes often have a habit of returning to, and performing well against, their former clubs. The Spaniard has been in fine form lately and will look to continue that on the ground where he was twice voted player of the season. 

    Prediction: 1-1 as it was at Old Trafford earlier this season. I suspect Jose Mourinho will set Chelsea up not to lose as opposed to going all out and trying to win the game convincingly. 

    Where to watch: As ever we will be watching the game in Loca, in the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa. Anyone and everyone is welcome with the kick off 20.30 UAE time. We look forward to seeing you there. 

    Ziad Al Jamaan – MUSCUAE

    As a United fan, it’s very easy to get carried away at the minute and rightly so. Our recent form has been that of title contenders and having taken maximum points from our closest rivals, we are looking good. 

    Going a goal behind last week and being outplayed for the first 15 minutes should serve as a reminder that if you are not switched on then you’ll be in for a long old day.

    Having said that, Chelsea have been grinding out victories and not looking like the same side that started the season in dominant fashion. 

    Stamford Bridge with Mourinho at the helm is always a tough place to go and he will surely have the bus parked and be happy to walk away with a draw. 

    Fellaini gave Yaya Toure a schooling last week and took advantage of his lazy approach to defending but in Matic Chelsea have a 6ft plus midfielder who has all the ability to stop the Belgian from controlling the game.

    I think this will be a key battle in determining who comes out on top this weekend.

    Carrick and Jones both looked like they were struggling with knocks, and while Rojo is more than capable of replacing the latter, United desperately need Carrick to come through as he has proved vital in our recent run of wins. 

    Last week I said we could look at bringing in Di Maria for Ashley Young but after his man-of-the-match performance against City, he certainly won’t be being dropped. 

    Not many people expected us to pick up as many points as we have during our run in so hopefully another three points here will keep us safely in the Premier League top-3.

    United likely line-up: De Gea; Valencia, Rojo, Smalling, Blind; Carrick, Fellaini, Herrara; Mata, Young; Rooney

    United player to watch: Marouane Fellaini – He will be crucial in battling against the height of Chelsea and has been a revelation for United in the past few months.

    Chelsea player to watch: Eden Hazard – Contender for player of the season and rightly so. Hazard could cause United’s back four a wealth of problems.

    Prediction: I agree that it will be 1-1. Chelsea will look to defend and grind out a draw, which you can see them being successful in doing.

    Where to watch: Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road.

     

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