Preview – Chelsea vs Manchester United: Capital One Cup

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Controversy is never far away when it comes to Manchester United/Chelsea games. This was, of course, the case again on Sunday afternoon as United stole three points from league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It was an unusual game in many ways, what with the strange decisions and United managing to keep out a goal inside the first 20 minutes.

All in all it was, refereeing decisions aside, a fantastic advert for the Premier League and English football in general. So, naturally, fans of both sides are eagerly anticipating the sequel on Wednesday night.

This follow-up will not come with the spice and drama of its predecessor however, largely because it’s a League Cup fourth round clash, meaning that many first team players will be missing from both ourselves and Chelsea. What it will be is an incredible chance for many young, or just simply unfavoured players, to show their worth.

Team news – Chelsea

There is no doubt that it’ll be a tough game for United, who will be resting many key players ahead of another mammoth clash with Arsenal at the weekend. But, it will also be tough for Chelsea who struggled to cope with United going forward on Sunday. Their real lack of depth, particularly up front could be their downfall come Wednesday.

With Fernando Torres their only recognised striker, the European Champions may be forced to play the stuttering Spaniard again. Fringe players like Lucas Piazon and Marco Marin could well be given a taste of the action for the first time this season.

Team news – Manchester United

For Manchester United, a fix of youth and experience is widely expected at Stamford Bridge. The likes of Anderson, Darren Fletcher and Alexander Buttner are all in serious contention, along with the likes of Nick Powell and Danny Welbeck to add a threat up front.

Much like Chelsea’s lack of any real depth up front, we are painfully short at the back, with only two recognised centre-backs fit. It is highly unlikely that 33-year-old Rio Ferdinand will be used for the second game in three days, especially with big games in the league coming up. Jonny Evans may well be called upon to restore some experience and authority at the back. Here is my preferred starting eleven.

 Onto my prediction for the game. Despite there being very few superstars on show, it will be an incredibly hard game against the European Champions. They will be a tough nut to crack. After somehow missing out on all three points at the weekend, they will no doubt be out for revenge, and it is up to us to stop them getting it. A lot will rest on the shoulders of our striker(s), who’s chances and opportunities on the ball will be few and far between. I am therefore going to go for a 1-0 win to United.