« West Ham United v Everton: Hammers have mid-table in their sights | Squarefootball homepage | Hull City vs Stoke City: Icarus and father »

Sunday, 08 November 2009

Chelsea v Manchester United: Fergie set to leave capital with the Blues

The Premier League leaders entertain the champions Manchester United this afternoon in arguably the biggest game of the season so far and surprisingly no-one in our Panel has plumped for a United victory.

Chelsea have made a strong start to the season and are currently in excellent form. They have scored 19 times in their past five league and cup outings and their defence has been breached just once at home in the Premier – and that was on the opening day of the season. Everybody at the Bridge is on the top of their game and they are looking nailed-on certs for the title.

However, Manchester United should never be ruled out when it comes to the big games, although their current record against the big four on their travels has not been great. Anfield in 2007 was the last time they beat any of their main rivals away from Old Trafford and the Red Devils are simply not as destructive as they were last season. Some people are even beginning to wonder whether Manchester United are in fact just a one-man team? (That man being Wayne Rooney obviously).

United have already lost twice on the road this season – Burnley and Liverpool – and haven’t won at the Bridge since 2002. With Ferdinand expected to miss out and Berbatov, Giggs and Vidic all struggling with knocks, United could be on the end of a hiding if Drogba and co are on form.

Chelsea start the day as favourites but critics claim they haven’t faced anyone of any real note yet. However, on current form there is only one winner and that’s the boys from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea v Manchester United; Kick-Off 4pm 08 Nov 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 1
Chris Cox : 3 - 1
Graham Enwright : 2 - 0
Sue Gardener : 1 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 3 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : 2 - 1
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 3 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 2
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : 2 - 0
Dave Nash : 2 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 3 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 1
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : 2 - 1

Panel Verdict

United may manage a draw but Chelsea are favourites for all three points.

Home: 11; Draw: 6; Away: 0; TBC: 3.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Follow sqfMelvin on Twitter

ConvoTrack

Comments

 

Twitter & Facebook

TweetBook? Face-itter? No, not Face-itter; TweetBook it is.

sqF writers* on Twitter

Get in touch with sqF if you want to be added ...
* Past & present

sqF on Facebook

Adverts

Our laughable attempt to raise revenue.