EPL title on the line when Blues clash with Reds

EPL Match Preview

Chelsea have the chance to seal their second Barclay’s English Premier League title this weekend against Manchester United, when the two sides meet in a top of the table clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea, who lead United by seven points at the top of the league table, need only a draw to retain their title, whilst United need a win to maintain their slim hopes of catching the reigning champions. The Blues will be looking to bounce back from last week’s disastrous exit in the semi final’s of the FA Cup to Liverpool, with the west London side going down 2-1, after Didier Drogba and Joe Cole missed guilt edged chances, with the latter failing to force the match into extra time and blazing a shot over in injury time.

It is likely manager Jose Mourinho will make some changes, with Dutch international Arjen Robben likely to come back into the starting side. Goalkeeper Petr Cech remains in doubt, after suffering a leg injury against Everton two weeks ago. The only other concern is over Icelandic international Eidur Gudjohnsen, who has been reported as being unwell during this week.

Manchester United will be hoping that in form striker Wayne Rooney can help to extend the unbeaten run to 12 games, and deny Chelsea the chance to take out the title on home soil. The 20 year old, who has scored 16 league goals this season was just voted PFA young player of the year for the second year running, and is keen to ensure that the title race goes down to the final day.

The only injury concerns United have are a minor groin strain to Argentine Gabriel Heinze, who came off during a midweek reserve game as a precaution, although there is some talk he may be fit enough to make the bench. Midfielder Paul Scholes and Alan Smith remain out for the season with vision problems and a broken ankle respectively. Sir Alex Ferguson may need to decide whether Nemaja Vidic will retain his spot in the side, after an indifferent performance against Spurs, and if Wes Brown takes his place at the heart of the defence.

United who have the chance to not only delay what maybe the inevitable, have the chance to at least secure second spot, and with it a coveted spot in next seasons Champions league, after having to go through qualifying for the previous two seasons. With Liverpool only three points behind, and despite United having a game in hand, the Red Devils will look to take all three points home from Stamford Bridge to extend the gap to five points, with only three games left to play.

The big match is live on Fox Sports Two tonight, with coverage commencing from 9:30pm AEST.

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