Who Do United Prefer - Chelsea Or Liverpool?
Both United and Chelsea have stolen a march on their respective adversaries in the first semi-finals of the Champions League. Should United beat Milan next week, which team would they most like to face in the Champions League final in Athens?
AbsolutelyUnited assesses the strengths and weaknesses of Chelsea and Liverpool.
Chelsea:
United would be sick of the sight of the reigning Premiership champions by 23 May. The two clubs meet on 9 May in what might still be a league decider and again in a FA Cup humdinger at revamped Wembley Stadium.
United’s recent record against Chelsea is patchy. Chelsea caned Sir Alex’s team at Stamford Bridge last April, in a match in which Rooney launched the nation’s ‘metatarsal’ obsession.
United were much better when the two teams faced off last November at Old Trafford but only in the first 45 minutes. Chelseas’s second half revival pushed United onto the back foot and led to much taunting from Jose Mourinho.
Fergie would like nothing better than to ram those words down the Portuguese throat and in so doing, give the finger to Peter Kenyon, who stunned one and all last November with his guff about Chelsea replacing United as the world’s biggest club.
The Team
A formidable unit which grinds out results. Chelsea have class in every position and a pool of players beyond the first team who would adorn many Premiership sides. Chelsea have not been at their best this year but still have hopes of the Quadruple under Mourinho’s astute management.
The west-London side has suffered from injuries to key players John Terry and Petr Cech but now, with everyone fit and in form, would represent very dangerous opposition who believe that not only do they have the measure of United but that ‘Cashley‘ Cole has Ronaldo, United’s top player, in his pocket
Galactico: Michael Essien – a powerhouse, versatile, top class midfielder.
Honourable Mentions: Didier Drogba; Michael Ballack; John Obi Mikel; Ricardo Carvalho; Frank Lampard; Joe Cole; Ashley Cole, Petr Cech.
Liverpool
Playing Liverpool in the Champions League final would be a local north west affair writ large! It would be for the biggest prize in European club football and much more besides.
Eliminating the holders Barcelona was a major achievement. Liverpool seem to have the taste for European competion and have reserved their better performances for the matches against foreign opposition.
However, the league table doesn’t lie nor can it be ignored that Liverpool were dumped out of both cups in January. Holding the Champions League trophy aloft remains the only means by which this season can be considered a success. Rafael Benitez is a great manager who has won a trophy every year since settling down on Merseyside but he shows no sign yet that he can pilot Liverpool through a demanding 38 game league programme to the title.
Liverpool were comprehensively beaten by United at Old Trafford early in the season but were unfortunate to lose the return at Anfield. Better marksmanship would have inflicted defeat on United that March day. Instead, poor defending and an error from the goalkeeper ensured that United stole the points and remain on course for the title.
The Team:
Goalkeeper ‘Pepe’ Reina looked very solid when he arrived from Spain but has not had the same impact this season. Craig Bellamy, an AU tip last August to shine, has also failed to have the impact expected. Dirk Kuyt, for all his endeavor, is not the new Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
But Liverpool do have Carragher who offered a masterclass in the art of the defensive shut out against Barcelona and of course, Steven Gerrard.
Galactico: Steven Gerrard – Can win a match all on his own. Ask Milan. Ask West Ham.
Honourable Mentions: Jamie Carragher; Javier Mascherano; John Arne Riise; Jose Reina; Xabi Alonso
Conclusion:
It’s a no-brainer. Chelsea and United are jousting for the title like Spartacus and Draba whilst Liverpool are nowhere. It has to be the Scousers for a game that neither team dare lose.
So who’s it to be - Chelsea or Liverpool? Let us know what you think …
