While each team has historic rivalries with other teams that are considered more bitter than this one, fans and players of both teams will tell you that no other rival has come close to bringing the intensity that Manchester United and Chelsea have brought against each other over the past several years. In sports, history weighs heavily on every team; it brings undue pressures, lofty expectations, and lots of media attention.
Over the last decade in the Premier League, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal have been at or near the top consistently. Recently, the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City have peeked their heads while Liverpool and Arsenal have dealt with bumps in the road. Chelsea and United, however, have stayed strong by way of big acquisitions and youth development to stay neck-and-neck. Since Arsenal won the league in 2004 by going undefeated, the trophy has traveled back and forth between Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford, where it currently resides.
While some have argued that the lack of variation in champions has shown a plateau in the EPL, there is no lack of excellent soccer. Chelsea and United were so dominant that in 2008, after a hard fought battle in the Premier League race, they both reached the Champions League Final as the two best teams in Europe, with United giving Chelsea the blues in penalty kicks to take the title. Furthermore, during Chelsea’s title defense last season, United were able to start the season with a prolonged stretch without a loss to see saw the momentum of this rivalry back to northern England.
This Sunday’s matchup, to take place at Old Trafford, is the first of two games that will prove pivotal in deciding this season’s champion. Both teams reloaded for this year’s title race. Chelsea added forward Juan Mata, young phenom Romelu Lukaku, midfielder Raul Meireles, and new manager André Villas-Boas. Meanwhile, Manchester United somehow strengthened a squad that went to the Champions League Final with winger Ashley Young, defender Phil Jones, and an infusion of promising young talent.
Not only will both teams be fighting it out until the end (with the likes of Manchester City by their sides), but they could be on a collision course in the Champions League as well. There is no doubt that fantastic soccer will be played any time these two meet up, but a healthy display of yellow cards and a busy referee are sure to be at Sunday’s match as well. Yours truly will be taking in the match with a pint at his local soccer pub, and he recommends you do the same. This is not one to miss!
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