PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UNITED
TACTICAL BRIEF
The Premier League's top two meet at the Bridge for the second time in four days, but both teams are likely to have very different personnel.
Key battles
Neither manager would have picked the exact same team even before Sunday's bruising (physically and psychologically) encounter in the league, but Roberto Di Matteo now knows red-carded Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres have joined John Terry in being ruled out through suspension.
The Blues were already coping without skipper Terry, and the other two have natural replacements in the dynamic Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back and hungry young striker Danny Sturridge - both arguably worthy of a start in the Premier League anyway.
Of the two the Spaniard, who came on as a sub on Sunday, is the one who may have most to take in tactically. Sir Alex Ferguson's 4-4-1-1 formation at the weekend, with wingers Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young - in his first start for two months - was expressly designed to put his side two-versus-one against the Blues' full-backs. Both their opening goals came from moves down the Chelsea flank, just as the Man United boss would have planned.
Although, even reduced to 10 men, Di Matteo's side then went forward and outplayed United for over an hour, he may recalibrate his three attacking midfielders to provide slightly more defensive cover in those areas.
Some of the 'three musketeers' would have been rested anyway, with Marko Marin (pictured below) returned from injury and needing games, fellow summer-signing Victor Moses pressing for his first action since the 4-0 win away to Nordsjaelland, and Lucas Piazon having impressed in the 6-0 third round thrashing of Wolves.
Likely left-back Ryan Bertrand also offers a more defence-minded option in left midfield. Oriol Romeu, who opened his Chelsea account from the penalty spot in the win over Wanderers, may step into one of the centre midfield slots.
Given the suspensions and unavailability of Frank Lampard, some Academy youngsters may be rewarded with a place on the bench for the first time.
The Red Devils' 2-1 round three victory over Newcastle United began with just two regular starters in David De Gea and Wayne Rooney. Their back four featured two debutants, full-backs Marnick Vermijl and Scott Wootton, plus centre-backs Alexander Büttner and Michael Keane with two appearances between them. Marin, Moses, Sturridge et al must be confident they can trouble the fledglings more than Ameobi and co. managed.
Ferguson has already admitted he expects another intimidating atmosphere at Stamford Bridge this evening by wishing referee Lee Mason 'good luck'. He may consider this is exactly the kind of test he wants for his young players. Providing, that is, they have a few cool, senior heads in among them.
Squad news
Frank Lampard (calf) and Ashley Cole (ankle) are the only two Chelsea players unavailable through injury. They are joined by suspended trio John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres.
Shinji Kagawa (knee), Chris Smalling (foot), Phil Jones (back and knee) and Nemanja Vidic (knee) are Man United's injured players.
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