The first battle pits a typically fluid Chelsea against a rugged Stoke
side that has not lost any home games this season. While Chelsea boasts a decent record of 18
wins in 33 engagements at the Britannia stadium, they know they will have to
fight until the final whistle to stand any chance of getting a result. Midfield
is likely to be the key battle as Chelsea’s crafty midfielders try their wit
against Stoke’s grit. Any opportunities they create will be pounced on by the
predatory Demba Ba. Stoke’s direct approach is however likely to create just as
much menace at the other end especially if Terry’s defense organizing skills
are missing.
The second battle between Manchester United and Liverpool is considered
a clash of history as English football’s two most decorated clubs go
head-to-head. While United has won 44 of 87 matches that it has hosted between
the two titans, they face an in-form Liverpool side that has enjoyed back to
back 3:0 league victories albeit against lesser opposition. Ferguson’s defense selections
will be critical to keeping the lethal Suarez quiet and of course there is the
potential surprise of a resurgent Daniel Sturridge linking up with him for
Liverpool. United’s approach will have to be bold to create supply lines to the
prolific van Persie who if paired with the predatory Hernandez will enjoy a
first double over Liverpool in four seasons.
The last title shaping battle is between the Champions, Manchester City
and an Arsenal side that enjoys a 62% home-win record against City. The absence
of Silva, City’s creative brain has been used to explain their last two barren
outings at the Emirates, so his presence is likely to be critical to the outcome
of this match up. Wenger on the other hand seems to be struggling to determine
his preferred attacking setup with Walcott apparently upsetting the team’s
shape during the last outing as he consistently drifted from the wing to join
Giroud in the middle.
A Chelsea slip up could mark the end of their challenge if their Manchester
rivals enjoy a positive return. A United double over Liverpool will keep their
momentum going and potentially boost their confidence even more ahead of tough
second round home fixtures against their title rivals. City on the other hand
needs to win to keep the pressure on United ahead of the Champions League
second round. The club’s that approach this round’s tough matches with boldness
are likely to emerge with very valuable points that will offer tremendous
capital in the psychological battle for supremacy in the race for gold.
