Man U, Chelsea and a lot of question marks – Part 2

Can Chelsea survive January? For the past three seasons, Chelsea’s inability to win the league has come down to the club’s manager-merry-go-round and, maybe more significantly, the absence of key players for various reasons.  Last season it was Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Essien and Joe Cole out injured for long periods.  And the season before that was an injured John Terry and Petr Cech - along with their African contingent who went on international duty for the African Cup of Nations.  This winter, with the African Cup returning, Chelsea once again will have to make do for a month without the goals of Drogba and Salomon Kalou, and the industry of Essien and John Obi Mikel. That could seriously derail thier title push.

Drogba never fails to impress with the Ivory Coast

Does Berbatov give a toss? Manchester ’s much maligned forward didn’t do too badly last season, netting 14 goals. But considering he is the club’s most expensive signing, any disappointment was justified. United’s prospects this time around hinge largely on the laid-back Bulgarian. With Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez gone, it’s crucial that Berbatov shakes off the malaise and rediscovers his form. And with the pressure for him to perform even greater this year, his cool demeanor could either be a blessing or a curse.

Where are the goals going to come from? The loss of Ronaldo, and to a lesser extent Tevez, has left many of us wondering where United’s goals will come from this season.  Maybe, just maybe, Wayne Rooney will hit 20 if he’s positioned more centrally in the formation.  But if not, then what?  Berbatov?  Owen?  Macheda?  That’s a lot of question marks. Sure, United can still retain the title by banging out 1-0 wins, but that will put extra pressure on their defense to keep clean sheets.  And don’t forget that Edwin van der Saar is already out injured for two months.

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Man U, Chelsea and a lot of question marks – Part 1

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