Defences on Top

It’s been widely touted that Chelsea aren’t the team they once were but interestingly they still have the best defensive record in the Premiership. Man United sit at the Premiership summit but have often looked more efficient than exhilarating, with a side built around a strong back four as well. With this in mind nobody should be expecting a goal-fest at Stamford Bridge and 2/1 odds with sportingbet on there being less than two goals in the match represents value.

Chelsea currently have problems getting the best out of Torres, Drogba et al but a record of only eight goals conceded in 12 games at Stamford Bridge bodes well for them. United have also failed to score in five of their last seven Premier League visits to Chelsea. Alex Ferguson is liable to play a more defensive 4-5-1 formation for a game such as this, not least with the current state of the league table. He knows that a 0-0 scoreline would be highly satisfactory at Stamford Bridge and that he still has the players to sneak all three points on the counter-attack anyway.

Ancelotti will desperately hope that this is the day when Torres makes his mark for the Londoners, and he has scored three times in his last four games against United. But even with Ferdinand still likely to be out, Vidic and Smalling are plenty capable of snuffing out the Spaniard if his confidence is still lacking. All and all, a 1-0 win either way or a goalless draw seems likely and worth backing at 2/1.