So, we’ve already heard from our Chelsea fans before todays game, and now it is time to head to the away end, and get the thoughts of our two Manchester United fans.
With their bitter rivals Man City sandwiched between us in the league, a win for us could put daylight between us again, but a loss, and it’s a massive 3-way battle between us.
We spoke to Mark (@Mark_Bartle) and Jamie (@JCBLegend) and got their thoughts ahead the massive clash at the Bridge this afternoon.
Alright lads. Firstly, although you guys sit 3rd in the league, would you agree there has been some less than convincing performances so far? Although history does say that you lot have a better second half to the season!
Mark: Our defence has been poor, so our first signing next year has to be a centre back. Vidic can’t play a whole season without getting injured and Rio goes without saying. Smalling and Jones are for the future but we need an instant fix. However, have to say Evans has been great for the last two seasons – may get a few disagreeing with me, but you can’t fault his desire.
Jamie: Its fair to say, we don’t look as solid as we used to be at the back! Gone are the days the big clubs fear our back four. We can’t rely on history much longer. However the blue side of Manchester are struggling to keep goals out as well as us.
Like you say, your defence seems to be the problem from an outsiders view, is it one that can regain the title this year? What are the aims both domestically and continentally?
Mark: If Rio and Evans stay fit, I believe we have a chance to win the league and that’s all you need. On a personal level I’d love us to win the FA cup! I’d be very surprised if we get to Semis of Champions League.
Jamie: Domestically, I think if I’m honest is to finish above City. United are always strong and it’s been a long time were we haven’t been at the mix. Winning the title is still our number one goal I believe, and in Europe, I think it’s a case of get to the knock out phase and see what form you’re hitting. I would be happy with the Semi-Finals in Europe.
Will Rio drag the racism fiasco on even longer?The Ferdinand/Terry/Cole fiasco will no doubt make the game a bit more exciting, will they shake hands, and will it add some more spice to the game?
Mark: You never know what will happen when Rio is involved; he’s a professional one minute and not the next. If I was him I wouldn’t shake Cole’s hand, but Fergie will be in his ear telling him to do so, as parties concerned will want to move on from this matter very quickly
Jamie: After reading the papers I think the handshake will happen with Cole as of course Terry is sidelined. It won’t take anything from the game. Man Utd v Chelsea never needs any extra spice when Torres, Rafael and co. are going to war.
If you could take one player from the Chelsea team, who would it be and why?
Mark: I haven’t seen much of Chelsea recently but it would have to be either Mata for his pure talent or Lampard for pure passion he brings to the team.
Jamie: Mata for me as well. His ability to not only be clinical, but to start and finish moves in a blink of an eye is second to none, and his work rate off the ball (second goal against Tottenham) is immense.
Finally, what are your score predictions, and who will grab the goals?
Mark: It is such a hard to call, my head says Chelsea will win 2-1, although my heart says 3-1 to us. Whatever happens, both Van Persie and Mata will play major roles in deciding which way the game goes.
Jamie: Im going to go with a 2-2 draw. United will go 1-0 up through a RVP goal, and I think Torres will step up his game for this fixture. Hopefully Rooney will be amongst the goals again too.
Thanks guys! Some mixed responses, and we managed to get all three outcomes in the two predictions! It’s certainly going to be a great game for the neutral, and hopefully Chelsea can trump United and again extend the gap at the top.
If you support a Premier League team, and would like to be considered for this piece throughout the season, give us a follow and a message on the Twitter accounts below.
By Brad Smith
Follow @BrummieBrad