Man U vs Chelsea
Tonight's the biggie. For the past week ESPN has been promoting it as the clash of the titans. In the red corner we have the most successful British team of the last decade and the 2nd longest-serving manager in the English game, Manchester United. In the blue corner, we have the defending champions, and the biggest mouth in Europe, Chelsea. The whole world is billing it as the most important match for both sides. Chelsea perhaps, but United? Definitely not.
The reason for this is that United have more traditional and historical rivals. Every year, no matter what happens, the most important games (in order) are Man U vs Liverpool, Man U vs Man C and Man U vs Arsenal. Why? Simple. Man U vs L'pool games are the fixtures where pride matters more than the three measly points. These two teams are the most successful British teams of all time, and many great players have played for these two clubs. Players like Rush, Dalglish, Cantona, Best, Charlton and Denis Law spring to mind. Man U vs Man C is a local derby, where anything can happen. This fixture may have lost it's lustre over the years cos of Man C yo-yo-ing between divisions, but the fact of the matter remains that this fixture is one of utmost importance. Man U & Arsenal have been rivals for a long time, especially when both clubs shared dominance of the EPL. This fixture, many a time, has provided the vital turn in both seasons. This fixture has decided the fate of the title many a time. After these 3 fixtures, the next one is Man U vs Leeds, cos that's a Yorkshire derby and goes back historically to the War of the Roses. However, this fixture hasnt been played in a while due to the relegation of Leeds. After these four fixtures then comes Chelsea. The same cant be said of them cos Man U is their biggest fixture, upstaging Tottenham and Arsenal fixtures in recent years.
Well. One thing that has been said is true though. It's pretty safe to assume that either of the clubs will end up as champions come the first week of May. It's hard to look past both teams. Even at the start of the season when everyone tipped Liverpool to be Chelsea's main rival, I wasnt all that sure. Yeah Pool bought a bunch of players. Big deal. When you buy people like Pennant and Fabio Aurelio, please make sure you look at their videos first. That's what scouts are for innit? Everyone wrote United off cos they sold Van Nistelrooy, a player who couldnt deal with being dropped in favour of Giuseppe Rossi at the end of last season when there was virtually nothing left to play for. However, in doing so, they improved the team spirit and are starting to reap the benefits now.
While both teams have a fierce rivalry on the pitch, the managers have a mutual respect for each other. If Chelsea loses, a six point gap would be opened up at the top. But if United loses, there goes the outright lead. Therefore, all neutral fans are rooting for a United win just so we can see how good Chelsea are at chasing down a lead. I certainly am. 4 hours to the kickoff.
Once again it's Dan signing off for now.
