Friday 6 May 2011

Is this the Premiership Title decider ?




This Sunday Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford and what is usually a big game has everything at stake for both clubs regarding the outcome of the Premiership title.

Manchester United lead the Premiership by three points which is crazy compared to the eleven point lead Manchester United had over Chelsea on the ninth of April.

Chelsea have been on blistering form in the past few months since defeating Manchester United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge while Manchester United have struggled at times , stuttering and only just grasping the advantage in the title race.

Manchester United fell at the hands of Arsenal last Sunday while Chelsea overcame Tottenham 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. This will give Chelsea the advantage in terms of form in the league however Manchester United have just qualified for the Champions League final at Wembley this year where they will face Barcelona and this could lead to confidence from Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

Manchester United are chasing a historic double. If Manchester United win the Champions League(which they knocked Chelsea out of this season), it will be their fourth European Cup with three under Ferguson and the League which will hold even more prestige would be their eleventh under Ferguson but more importantly a record breaking nineteenth league title which would beat Liverpool’s record. These incentives help build belief that Manchester United have the edge and experience under Ferguson to win this match and a win would almost guarantee the historic nineteenth title.

Chelsea however have no other chance of silverware after crashing out of the other domestic and European cups. Carlo Ancelotti was on a shaky peg job wise a few short months ago. Fernando Torres’ lack of form or goals since his 50 million transfer in January has also put Ancelotti under a pressure as he just can’t drop a 50 million pounds striker and has had to try and help Torres out but Torres has still only returned a single goal and is being substituded regularly as he struggles.

A win at Old Trafford and a second Premiership title in a row however would surely change Ancelotti’s job safety. Two in a row would leave Ancelotti sighing with relief after a rollercoaster season.

After this clash both sides will have two games left. If Manchester United win they will be six points clear. If Chelsea win they will be top on goal difference.

With so much counting on this game would it surprise anybody if it ended up a boring 0-0 draw? I didn’t think so.