Manchester United v Chelsea – In the second Sunday’s derby of the 36th round of the English Premier League will meet two teams that have marked beginning of this century with their successes and trophies, and those are Manchester United and Chelsea. However, this time there will be no competitive fervour, at least among the hosts, which have already secured the title of the new English champions, but for the Blues this match is very important considering that they haven’t yet qualified for the Champions League. Let us say that they have met four times this season, where United won away in the championship, while Chelsea with two wins and one draw was more successful in the League and FA Cup. Begins: 05.05.2013 – 17:00 CET
Manchester United
As we said in the introduction, Manchester United two rounds before won its 20th jubilee title of champion of England, so they can play in the finish of the season completely relieved of any worries. However, this does not mean that they will surrender in advance in the remaining three rounds, which was perhaps best demonstrated last week in the game with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium when they played without any reservations and in the end draw 1-1. Given that now they expect a similar game with one more team that wants in the Champions League, we can surely expect a similar approach of the coach Ferguson’s players, except that this time they will have a great support from their fans, for whom they also prepared a special choreography for occasion of winning the new title. Regarding the team, there will be few changes from the match with Arsenal according to the latest announcements, so freshly recovered Kagawa should replace Nani on the left flank. Due to injuries still out of action are midfielders Young, Fletcher and Scholes, while at the same time are questionable not fully recovered stoppers Vidic and Smalling, and striker Welbeck.
Probable lineups Manchester United: de Gea – Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra – Jones, Carrick – Valencia, Rooney, Kagawa – van Persie
Chelsea
Unlike the United, Chelsea has a much bigger motive for this game, considering that they haven’t secured yet the placement in the Champions League for the next season. After last week’s home victory over Swansea, the Blues have maintained third place in the table, but immediately behind them are Arsenal with one and Tottenham with three points less, so everything is still open in the fight for qualification in the top European football competition. Otherwise, the London team had earlier lost chance to defend the Champions League title from the last year, but now will have a similar one in the Europa league, considering that on 15 May will play the finals against Portuguese Benfica in Amsterdam. The coach Benitez’s players won Basel three days ago in the rematch of the semi-finals at home with 3-1, and with the overall 5-2 more than deservedly achieved the placement in the finals. Of course, due to the evident fatigue now at Old Trafford several changes will take place in Chelsea’s first team, while still out of action are just midfielders Romeu and Marin.
Probable lineups Chelsea: Cech – Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole – Mikel, Luiz – Oscar, Mata, Hazard – Demba Ba
Manchester United v Chelsea Pick
Taking into consideration that new English champions will start this derby fully relieved of any pressure, and the imperative of the guests who still fights for a place in the Champions League, we can say that this will be another great football match at Old Trafford, where certainly should be a lot of goals.
Tip: Both team to score
Odd: 1.65 - Interwetten
Stake: 10/10
Tip: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.77 - Betus
Stake: 9/10
