Manchester United vs Chelsea EPL 05-05-2013

Manchester United vs Chelsea 

 Premier League: 36. Round

Match date: 5 May 2013
Kick Off Time: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Old Trafford, England 

 Referee: Howard Webb

 Man United host Chelsea on Sunday in what is usually a crucial game for both sides. However this year, with United having secured the title already (and with their secondary target of a record points haul now out of reach) there's less at stake for Alex Ferguson's men; nevertheless Chelsea shouldn't expect an easy game as they pursue a Champions League qualifying place.

 Manchester United come into this game in great form having won 13 of their last 14 home games with their only defeat coming at home to neighbours Manchester City. Anyway, the Red Devils appear to be losing focus now that the title is sown up and they’re out of all cup competitions. The Red Devils have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games, and appear to be content to coast to the end of the season.

Ashley Young is Sir Alex Ferguson’s only sure-fire absence for the remainder of the campaign. However, two shorter-term injuries make Danny Welbeck and Nemanja Vidic minor doubts for this weekend’s matchup. Nemanja Vidic has recovered from a calf complaint, though, while Paul Scholes is expected to make the bench having built up his fitness following a knee problem.

Chelsea are still in the battle for a top 4 place and currently hold a 1 point lead over Arsenal and 3 point lead over Tottenham.  They still have to play Tottenham so it’s very important they keep their 3 point gap over them.

Chelsea also played on Thursday in the Europa League semi final which they won 3-1 against Basel.  They have had a huge number of games this season with their various competitions and I’d be worried about the fitness of the players at this late stage.

Chelsea should have the most motivation here as they still have a top 4 place to fight for but Manchester United are not a club who will take their foot off the gas at the end of the season.  They will want to prove they are the strongest team in the league this year and gain as many points as possible.

 Possible line-ups:

 Manchester United (4-2-3-1):  David de Gea; Rafael, Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra; Michael Carrick, Phil Jones; Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney, Shinji Kagawa; Robin van Persie.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petr Cech; Cesar Azpilicueta, Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Ashley Cole; David Luiz, John Obi Mikel; Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Oscar; Demba Ba.