As we prepare for a blockbuster clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at the Bridge, Live Soccer TV previews the five players who could make a difference for the Red Devils.
Manchester United head into this fixture with a totally different motive than what Chelsea occupy. For United, it's a chance to prove their credentials all over again after being dumped out of the competition at this exact stage last season.
The departure of Ronaldo prompted many changes of perceptions on United with a majority of them being negatives one. People believed that the Red Devils will never be the same without their Silky Portuguese star. People believed that things will not be easy for Sir Alex after refusing to bring in any big name signing.
Therefore, this match provides them with the chance to prove to millions of people outside there. To prove that Manchester United are still a force to be reckoned- no matter domestically or even in the European stage. Nonetheless, Live Soccer TV analyses five players who could make a difference for the Red Devils.
NEMANJA VIDIC
The Serbian is literally the heartbeat of Manchester United's defence. His importance to the Red Devils is so crucial that they stumble out of orders in his absence and once again, Nemanja Vidic will be expected to lead United out at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Chelsea will definitely be looking to exert the United backline with dynamism and athleticism of Didier Drogba or even Florent Malouda up front. Vidic will need to be at his best to guide the defensive sector of his side and considering the wild history between him and Chelsea's Fernando Torres, this battle at the heart of Fergie's defence makes for an interesting one.
DARREN FLETCHER
The Scotland captain has evolved into a big-game player over the last few seasons and will definitely be called into action again at the Bridge. Darren Fletcher will once again be tasked with something familiar to him- guarding Chelsea's midfield powerhouses. Fletcher, who has previously stated that he loves to get 'stuck in' with the biggest players on the field, could be the key to United's chances.
Against a very attacking minded Chelsea side, defensive stability is always the fundamental aspect of this fixture and Fletcher will be required to provide that for the Red Devils. He is likely to be closely marking the likes of Frank Lampard or even Essien and will have to be at his level best in order to block Chelsea from penetrating their defence.
NANI
After living in the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani has finally burst into the limelight with some mind-blowing performances that has seen him earn cult hero status at Old Trafford. Nonetheless, his level of contribution will be absolutely essential for United's chances of leaving London with something in their hand.
Realistically, Nani is the artwork behind most of United's attack. However, the Portuguese player has a knack of hibernating in crucial moments and he will need to be at his best for the sake of Red Devils this Wednesday. If Nani can exploit the Chelsea defence comfortably, then do expect Fergie's boys to leave Stamford Bridge the happier side.
WAYNE ROONEY
If there is one man that has to make to list, then it would definitely be Wayne Rooney. The English striker has had a relatively low-key season after some massive controversies last year. However, he seems to have put all the negative rumors to bed and consequently, his performance level has been increasing drastically. A hat-rick in last weekend's game against West Ham justified his so called 'come back'.
During United's recent Premier League defeat to Chelsea, Rooney was probably the only United player who deserved praises for his determined showings on that day. And Chelsea fanatics can expect something similar from the magnificent footballer who can expose the flaws in Chelsea's defence this Wednesday.
JAVIER 'CHICHARITO' HERNANDEZ
They called him the Little Pea but he is probably one of the most gifted strikers in the world. A naturally fast player, Hernandez is already famous for his predatory instinct that has seen him score 17 goals in only his first season with Manchester United.
After 'dumping' Dimitar Berbatov to the substitute bench in the last 6 games, Hernandez has developed into one of Sir Alex's most important player. The deadly combination between Rooney and Hernandez has risen to such prominence that even United's top scorer finds it hard to make the starting line-up.
Once again, the Mexican's abilities will come to significance against a vulnerable Chelsea backline. Timing will be the key for him. One millisecond could end Chelsea's hopes if you have watched Chicharito's style of play.
The departure of Ronaldo prompted many changes of perceptions on United with a majority of them being negatives one. People believed that the Red Devils will never be the same without their Silky Portuguese star. People believed that things will not be easy for Sir Alex after refusing to bring in any big name signing.
Therefore, this match provides them with the chance to prove to millions of people outside there. To prove that Manchester United are still a force to be reckoned- no matter domestically or even in the European stage. Nonetheless, Live Soccer TV analyses five players who could make a difference for the Red Devils.
NEMANJA VIDIC
The Serbian is literally the heartbeat of Manchester United's defence. His importance to the Red Devils is so crucial that they stumble out of orders in his absence and once again, Nemanja Vidic will be expected to lead United out at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Chelsea will definitely be looking to exert the United backline with dynamism and athleticism of Didier Drogba or even Florent Malouda up front. Vidic will need to be at his best to guide the defensive sector of his side and considering the wild history between him and Chelsea's Fernando Torres, this battle at the heart of Fergie's defence makes for an interesting one.
DARREN FLETCHER
The Scotland captain has evolved into a big-game player over the last few seasons and will definitely be called into action again at the Bridge. Darren Fletcher will once again be tasked with something familiar to him- guarding Chelsea's midfield powerhouses. Fletcher, who has previously stated that he loves to get 'stuck in' with the biggest players on the field, could be the key to United's chances.
Against a very attacking minded Chelsea side, defensive stability is always the fundamental aspect of this fixture and Fletcher will be required to provide that for the Red Devils. He is likely to be closely marking the likes of Frank Lampard or even Essien and will have to be at his level best in order to block Chelsea from penetrating their defence.
NANI
After living in the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani has finally burst into the limelight with some mind-blowing performances that has seen him earn cult hero status at Old Trafford. Nonetheless, his level of contribution will be absolutely essential for United's chances of leaving London with something in their hand.
Realistically, Nani is the artwork behind most of United's attack. However, the Portuguese player has a knack of hibernating in crucial moments and he will need to be at his best for the sake of Red Devils this Wednesday. If Nani can exploit the Chelsea defence comfortably, then do expect Fergie's boys to leave Stamford Bridge the happier side.
WAYNE ROONEY
If there is one man that has to make to list, then it would definitely be Wayne Rooney. The English striker has had a relatively low-key season after some massive controversies last year. However, he seems to have put all the negative rumors to bed and consequently, his performance level has been increasing drastically. A hat-rick in last weekend's game against West Ham justified his so called 'come back'.
During United's recent Premier League defeat to Chelsea, Rooney was probably the only United player who deserved praises for his determined showings on that day. And Chelsea fanatics can expect something similar from the magnificent footballer who can expose the flaws in Chelsea's defence this Wednesday.
JAVIER 'CHICHARITO' HERNANDEZ
They called him the Little Pea but he is probably one of the most gifted strikers in the world. A naturally fast player, Hernandez is already famous for his predatory instinct that has seen him score 17 goals in only his first season with Manchester United.
After 'dumping' Dimitar Berbatov to the substitute bench in the last 6 games, Hernandez has developed into one of Sir Alex's most important player. The deadly combination between Rooney and Hernandez has risen to such prominence that even United's top scorer finds it hard to make the starting line-up.
Once again, the Mexican's abilities will come to significance against a vulnerable Chelsea backline. Timing will be the key for him. One millisecond could end Chelsea's hopes if you have watched Chicharito's style of play.
