In Chelsea’s match with Manchester United this Sunday afternoon,
arguably the most fascinating battleground will be the central midfield
zone.
That is entirely common in matches between two big clubs, but usually because of the vast quality on display. This weekend’s match is different, as both teams are weakest in that very position: the central midfield, the heart of the side.
There are injury problems: Chelsea may be without Frank Lampard while David Moyes will probably still be unable to call upon Marouane Fellaini.
Beyond that pair, Chelsea have depended upon just four central midfielders and have recently been using centre-back David Luiz in the holding role, despite Jose Mourinho previously insisting he would not, and have now re-signed Nemanja Matic -- a player they sold as part of the Luiz deal in 2011 -- for 21 million pounds.
That is entirely common in matches between two big clubs, but usually because of the vast quality on display. This weekend’s match is different, as both teams are weakest in that very position: the central midfield, the heart of the side.
There are injury problems: Chelsea may be without Frank Lampard while David Moyes will probably still be unable to call upon Marouane Fellaini.
Beyond that pair, Chelsea have depended upon just four central midfielders and have recently been using centre-back David Luiz in the holding role, despite Jose Mourinho previously insisting he would not, and have now re-signed Nemanja Matic -- a player they sold as part of the Luiz deal in 2011 -- for 21 million pounds.