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PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: MANCHESTER UNITED V CHELSEA
TACTICAL BRIEF
Clive Walker examines how Chelsea might wrest a priceless three points from Manchester United's clutches.
Key battles
'I imagine the mood in the Chelsea dressing room after qualifying for a second consecutive European final will be buzzing. Likewise Man United won the title a couple of weeks ago, but they have less to lose in this game.
'They cannot beat our record points tally but this being Man United, Sir Alex Ferguson will not want his players slackening off one bit. Every opportunity to land one on his rivals, he'll always want to take it. There will also be 70,000 fans wanting the same.
'Chelsea will be hoping to dominate the ball like we did in the second half of the FA Cup match up there. One thing is certain: we will play with no fear against them after the last three meetings. It is a United team we've played very well against in parts.
'Juan Mata and Oscar could come back in to the starting line-up with Ashley Cole returning after his European suspension. Demba Ba may take his place upfront after the match-winning goal at the Bridge. He has hit three in seven against Man United over his career.
'Ba has show he can trouble Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling. Or it could be Jonny Evans who has improved this year. Ba will relish facing any opponent.
'Phil Jones (pictured below) was playing as a right-back in that match but since then has been in midfield on occasions, where he sometimes finds himself in positions to score but is not a natural.
'Like Chelsea with David Luiz, there are different qualities he brings to different parts of the field. Jones is young and still to find his position or, more importantly, a partnership. Ferguson obviously likes him and sees him as one for the future. He's a good, tough player.
'In central midfield the pairing of Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick was outshone by Chelsea over much of the cup matches. Ferguson has tried a number of different partners for Carrick since, including Jones, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, looking for the right blend.
'Carrick has been a great strength this season - when they are in possession. Defensively, Cleverley can be pulled out of position and could be a reason why he likes Jones in there to shore it up.
'Eden Hazard and Ramires caused the United rearguard all sorts of problems in the 2-2 game. Ramires has hit the net in three of our last four matches against United, which is good going for a midfielder.
'Whether it's those two or Oscar and Mata in that crucial advanced role, they have to move the ball quickly to play around United's middle men.
'For them, Robin van Persie has returned to productivity again after going 750 minutes without a goal, including both our FA Cup matches. But now he's hit six in his last four and some of his goals have been outstanding and you cannot legislate for them.
'You have to give him no room to turn or set himself, no time and space to shot. If you do, like all top players he will punish you. Even in that barren spell complete concentration was required from opposing defenders.
'Another factor is the Tottenham game on the horizon - is that the more crucial game? I think Rafael Benitez will play his strongest available team for each match.'
Squad fitness news
The fitness of Eden Hazard, who was taken off as a precaution during the midweek match against Basel, and John Mikel Obi, who missed that match due to knock to his hip in training, will be assessed ahead of this game.
It is reported that Paul Scholes will be in the Man United squad for the first time since January following a knee injury. Danny Welbeck (knee) is missing but Nemanja Vidic is available following a calf strain.
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