Chelsea-Manchester United Preview

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One of the greatest and most intimidating elements of Manchester United is their versatility. They've combatted a variety of styles during Sir Alex Ferguson's 25 seasons in charge. And they've done so successfully. Ferguson's sides are always designed to get the result, no matter how ugly or pretty they have to play. Sometimes they'll even appear to be cruising, more interested in not making a mistake than attacking with any sort of urgency. They are a side obsessed with getting the result, no matter how it looks on the pitch.

In past seasons, Ferguson's teams have has had the clear mental advantage over other EPL sides. It's shown against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, who seem nervous and shaken up against United.

But if there's one team who has beaten the Man U Voodo, it's been Chelsea. There's something about the Blues that makes United quiver.

United will go head-to-head with their nemesis in a few hours. In fact, they must face them twice over their final 11 matches, while second place Arsenal doesn't play Carlo Ancelotti's bunch the rest of the year.

Unquestionably, today's trip to Stamford Bridge is a major point in the title race, even though Chelsea is hardly involved in what has become a two-team battle between Man U and Arsenal. But while the Blues have not been themselves this season, they remain the last team that United want to see on the fixture list.

One reason the Blues gives United fits is that they are tough to prepare for, as they can attack and beat you with a variety of styles. Fellow contenders Arsenal and Manchester City beat you in a specific way, while Chelsea can do it in several manners. It's not that Man U can't counteract the Blues' tactics, but you can tell they're somewhat on their toes when the two meet, nervously not knowing what to expect.

Chelsea may come out looking to take down United with some lovely football. After all, they are at home, and likely can't wait to unleash Fernando Torres against a side that he tore to shreds while at Liverpool. They can play that beautiful style of football that we love to watch with their skill (Malouda, Torres), creativity (Lampard, Drogba) and finishing (Drogba, Anelka, Lampard etc.).

If Chelsea try and show their attacking flair, United will go into "Arsenal Response Mode" as I call it, sitting back defensively and letting the opponents pass around in their half and defending comfortably without breaking a sweat, before pouncing on a turnover on the counter. Take a look at the second and third goals they scored on the Gunners last season. That's vintage United. They recognize that many a team are at their most vulnerable when they're on their front foot. All they need to do is execute on the counterattack and in the end, they may very well be the team creating the most chances despite having much less of the ball. That was certainly the case in that match against Arsenal last season, which they won 3-1. The formula worked again this season, as they beat the Gunners 1-0 in December.

Chelsea have also had some success playing on the defensive. They have great size and play a physical style that wears opponents down. That's a bit more similar to the tactics of Manchester City, or even an opponent further down the table (Stoke, Sunderland, Blackburn).

Should we see that "physical and committed" element of Chelsea, we'll witness "Manchester City Response Mode" from United. Ideally, the Red Devils will just hold the ball, not take too many risks as they slowly reel their opponents in. And then once again, they'll pick their spot and pounce with authority. Just look at the opener from Nani against City last month. United had the ball for much of that half but were often frustrated by City's defense. But they kept pressing forward, knowing that they'd just need to create a single chance to force City out of their shell. Ryan Giggs recognizes a rare chance to break down the City defense from a sudden attack, and the Portuguese International does the rest.

What makes Chelsea unique is that they are comfortable playing both of those styles. That's what makes them so dangerous, and that also makes them the only side in the EPL that Man U really struggle to prepare for. It's shown in the results, as Chelsea have been the only side able to consistently beat Man U in recent seasons.

Against most teams United look comfortable. They know exactly what's coming and they certainly know that they have the ability to score a goal of their own when they need to. The man most responsible their confidence is Ferguson, who has his team's extremely prepared for every fixture.

But every now and then, they have to worry about a team like Chelsea that can break them down in so many ways, it's impossible to be 100% prepared for what is to come. For that reason, today's result should come down to Man U recognizing, and responding to which ever side of Chelsea they see.