How can Van Gaal stop Chelsea??
Around
17 years back when he took charge of Barcelona, Louis Van Gaal had a “special”
assistant. The assistant who joined Barcelona as a translator under Bobby
Robson, made rapid progress and was soon giving match day team talks. Fast
forward 17 years, and the assistant is one of the best managers of the
modern era. And on Sunday, in a classic master vs apprentice match up, Van Gaal
will be up against his most famous pupil, Jose Mourinho.
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| Van Gaal with Mourinho in their Barcelona Days |
On
paper, the result is a foregone conclusion. Old Trafford is no longer the
fortress it used to be under Sir Alex. Having had a stuttering start to the
season despite being one of the biggest spenders in Europe, United are under
immense pressure. The defence looks schoolboyish at its worst. At best,
amateurish. Worse still, Chelsea are in the form of their life. Only 8 matches
into the season, the premier league title looks like a stroll in the park for
Chelsea.
But,
there is one silver lining for United. Diego Costa is likely to miss the match.
With all due respect to Schurrle/Drogba, Chelsea with Costa are a different team altogether. With John Terry (one of Europe’s best center backs over the
past 1 year) marshalling the defence, Chelsea have a solid back 4. And in
Matic, they have the best defensive midfielder in the world. And with attacking
threats like Oscar, Hazard and Fabregas, even without Costa, Chelsea will fancy
putting a few past De Gea.
So
far, United’s season has been a complete contrast when compared to Chelsea. Having
used 30 players for the first 8 matches, Van Gaal still doesn’t know his best
11. If he plays with a diamond with Blind at its base, United are more than likely to be
massacred in midfield. For all of Blind’s qualities, he is not your modern day
holding midfielder. A fit again Carrick should straightaway slot into the
midfield. If Smalling is fit, it could well be worth a gamble playing Jones in
the heart of midfield. Jones has pace, and his physical presence will help in
countering Chelsea’s central midfield of Fabregas and Matic. After his
magnificent display at West Brom, Fellaini will be high on confidence and
should be a part of the midfield 3 along with Carrick and Jones/Blind.
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| Possible United Line Up against Chelsea( Image created at www.lineupbuilder.com) |
United
have also conceded a lot of goals this season due to the positioning of their
fullbacks. Shaw and Rafael love to play further up the pitch, but in doing so,
leave acres of space behind. If they do this against Hazard and Co, the result
is not going to be pretty. If Jones can play in central midfield, Blind can
slot into left back, which is his natural position for his country. Rojo still looks suspect as a center back. But
with Smalling coming back, Van Gaal has more options. Given a choice, I would go with a back 4
of Blind, Rojo, Smalling and Rafael.
United
will also be hoping that Di Maria recovers from his injury in time. Up front,
Falcao should be starting after his unexpected omission against West Brom due
to a supposed jet lag. And Van Gaal will have to make a decision to play either
Mata or Persie. But, despite Persie’s lack of goals, Van Gaal should persist
with him. If he plays along with Falcao, his movement will definitely create
space for Falcao. Plus, Persie is a big asset while defending set pieces. If
United’s defence can keep Chelsea quiet, the front 3 of Di Maria, Persie and
Falcao have enough firepower to trouble Chelsea.
Although
it is extremely unlikely that Van Gaal will actually go with the same players,
but if United has to compete with Chelsea, a midfield 3, along with more
discipline from the full backs, is a must. And in my ideal world, goals from
Falcao and Persie will win United the match. But then, reality is always
different. Or is it?? Sunday is going to be fun.
Nice to know facts about both the managers! Translator! Lol. Anyways jones does not have pace. He is sloppy and him as CDM would be calamitous! Fabregas, Oscar will make him run circles! Carrick as CDM and herrera in midfield would be a better option as Herrera has a good work-rate. Rest all fits perfectly!
ReplyDeleteRemember the Match against Madrid at Bernabeu during Sir Alex's last season?? The 1-1 draw against a much superior Madrid side was possible because Jones was outstanding in the centre of midfield. He may not be in the same form that he was 2 years back, but I think it will be worth a try. Although, in all probability, Jones will play as a centre back along with Smalling.
ReplyDeleteEven with Di maria and Van Persie up top, the midfield with Carrick and Jones will lack the creativity. It will become a game of long balls just like the last match against West Brom. Herrera provides the creativity but needs a very good central midfielder with him to break up play.Against a well organised team like Chelsea, Van Gaal needs some sort of a miracle to pull something out of this match. Bdw, he called the "Special One" humble, mind games anyone :P ??
ReplyDeleteHaha.. Was a perfectly balanced game slightly tilted towards us. Hoping for a similar performance against city! Better defense required, and we'll be good.. Great u hear from u Avi!
DeleteYeah... Agree with the creativity part.. But still feel that united's best chance will be to keep in tight and try and hit on the counter or through the beautifully delivered Di Maria set pieces.
ReplyDeleteIt was a Van Gaal masterclass against Chelsea....Man C will be more tough because they will attack from the start. Costa was missed by Chelsea, but Aguero should be a handful.But they have Silva missing, so should be a good game.
ReplyDelete