Sunday, November 8, 2009

Chelsea - Manchester United preview

Chelsea come into this game full of confidence and none more so than their principle strike-weapon Didier Drogba. Defenders know exactly what they are up against when Drogba is playing - pure power and pace. The problem is being able to deal with it. Drogba will look to physically impose himself on the young defender from the start - so look out for him trying to bully Evans in the air and using his body strength to turn the youngster if he gets too tight. Playing high up the pitch he is a master at holding the ball up before bringing others into play - be it Nicholas Anelka or a breaking midfielder such as Ballack or Lampard. A much improved finisher since he arrived at Stamford Bridge he rarely needs more than one chance to get on the score sheet - and obviously is a major threat at set-pieces with his height. If Drogba can un-nerve the Irishman early on then expect him to score and for Chelsea to come out on top. According to Sir Alex Ferguson young defender Jonny Evans is the future of Manchester United. Having forged a reputation in the United youth and reserve teams he now seems to have his manager's confidence and that in itself must give him huge belief. Despite his young age he has a very calm and composed manner and goes about his game with the minimum of fuss, refusing to be overawed by his opponent regardless of who it is. He also has a good footballing brain - allowing him to snuff out danger before it arrives with a well timed interception or a good piece of positioning.He is strong, has a decent turn of pace and is comfortable on the ball - but is prone to the odd lapse in concentration. His challenge will be to stand up to the physical challenge presented by Drogba, and to stay switched on for the full 90 minutes. If he can do that and perform to his maximum then he could frustrate the big striker and help his side to a memorable result.

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