United profit from a late late Valencia winner, while a Lampard-inspired Chelsea demolish Atletico at the Bridge. Here’s some scribbles on last night’s action…
Valencia’s winning goal in Moscow was his second in two games – something that’s likely to give him confidence and push him forward in our thinking as a midfield option. The former Wigan man has only started four of United’s nine league games so far though and, despite his form, is not guaranteed a start at Anfield this weekend.
In terms of the team lineup last night, Ferguson surprisingly started with both Vidic and Ferdinand but withdrew Rio early in the second-half – a purely precautionary measure ahead of the trip to Anfield. Neville took the right-back spot again, leaving O’Shea in a midfield role. It’s very unlikely that Neville will start his third game in eight days against Liverpool, so expect O’Shea to shift to full-back this weekend. Evra missed out with a knock here so Fabio started at left-back, only to be stretchered off with cramp. Ferguson has stated that Evra will make a recovery from his heel problem for Anfield.
United went with 4-5-1 in Moscow but Ferguson expects a return for Rooney after missing last night with a calf injury. That would likely see a shift to 4-4-2, unless Ferguson opts to start with Rooney as a lone striker. That’s a distinct possibility, particularly if Gerrard looks like being fit for the game. Scholes was massively influential and was subbed in the second-half – indication that he could be a factor against Liverpool. Giggs, who missed this one with a knock, will be expected to start if fit. Nani put in another frustrating shift in Moscow and he would seem odds on to make way. That could see Giggs in a wide role, with Carrick or Fletcher (if fit) slotting in alongside Anderson and perhaps Scholes.
Chelsea’s emphatic win was perhaps most notable for Lampard’s first goal since the Sunderland game on August 18. Our Frank was employed in a deeper role, to the left of Essien, the holding midfielder. From here he prompted his side’s best moments and came away with a goal and an assist on the night. That will have put Lampard back on the radar for many, particularly with Gerrard looking unlikely for the weekend and with Chelsea hosting a vulnerable Blackburn defence.
Ancelotti’s lineup saw Carvalho dropped to the bench, with the Chelsea boss fingering him for the set-piece fiasco at Villa Park last weekend. Ivanovic started alongside Terry then and he could well hold that role for the Blackburn game. Alex is another option here. He has made a return to fitness and was back in the reserves in midweek and Ancelotti has stated he will be available. Carvalho is now under severe threat then and, should either Alex or Ivanovic pin down the role, we may yet have a relative bargain in the Chelsea backline. Ivanovic’s shift to the centre meant that Belletti also got a start for the injured Bosingwa at right back. Bosingwa is expected to make a return this weekend however.
The Chelsea diamond was more fluid, with a 4-1-2-2-1 perhaps a more accurate description of what was on show. Kalou and Deco often flanked Anelka, with Ballack and Lampard playing either side of the withdrawn Essien as anchor. All this will change come the weekend however, with Drogba certain to start up front. Malouda will also be in contention for a recall, while Joe Cole is also pushing for a start.