Chelsea v Manchester United: How they match up
Sunday November 08 2009
Petr Cech v Edwin van der Sar: Cech has yet to rediscover the aura of invincibility he had before the injury at Reading and the Dutchman is less likely to make a costly mistake.
Branislav Ivanovic v John O'Shea: A tight call. Hiddink rebuilt Ivanovic's confidence and the Serb is stronger in the tackle than his counterpart -- and has a slightly better positional sense.
Ricardo Carvalho v Jonny Evans: Carvalho is not quite the formidable force of the title-winning years but is much improved from last season and has much more experience than Evans.
John Terry v Nemanja Vidic: Vidic has been exposed by pace at times this campaign and Rio Ferdinand's lapses haven't done much to help his confidence while Terry is looking very solid.
Ashley Cole v Patrice Evra: The two finest left-backs in the league. Cole is arguably having his best-ever season, benefiting from Ancelotti's wish to see full-backs attack.
Michael Essien v Darren Fletcher: United fans pine for Fletcher when he is absent but the Scot lacks Essien's dynamism and has been troubled by injury this season.
Frank Lampard v Michael Carrick: Lampard is scoring again after a quiet start to the season whereas Carrick has lost a lot of confidence.
Michael Ballack v Antonio Valencia: The United man has the speed and has already scored vital goals but cannot match 'Der Kapitan' for power, leadership or tactical awareness.
Deco v Ryan Giggs: Deco already has as many league goals as last season but they have all come when Chelsea have been in front. Giggs can be more match-defining.
Nicolas Anelka v Wayne Rooney: Rooney gets the nod because of his work rate and overall contribution despite Anelka's prolific partnership with Drogba this season.
Didier Drogba v Dimitar Berbatov: Drogba is in the form of his life, full of confidence. The Bulgarian is improving but still seems to be finding his feet at United -- 14 months after joining.
Sunday Independent
