What makes them think they’ll do any better this season?
In their eyes the league is as good as taken for granted, but the Champions League has become a must-have.
United bogeyman
More like bogey team. Chelsea have chalked up some great wins at Old Trafford in the past, but were stopped by Darren Fletcher’s winner last season.
OT connections
Sir Matt Busby played three times for Chelsea during the Second World War.
Headline maker
Andriy Shevchenko. The Ukrainian is expected to deliver lots of goals.
Under the radar
Salomon Kalou, Chelsea’s low-key summer signing. The 20-year-old slipped into SW6 without the fuss of Shevchenko or Ballack, but made a real name for himself at Feyenoord.
How will United beat them?
A win at Old Trafford is essential. Thankfully, Sir Alex is the master of setting out his team for the big occasion.
The key ins and outs
In: Andriy Shevchenko (Milan); Michael Ballack (Bayern Munich); Salomon Kalou (Feyenoord); John Obi Mikel (Lyn Oslo).
Out: Carlton Cole (West Ham); Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona); Jiri Jarosik (Celtic); Glen Johnson (Portsmouth, loan).
The Gaffer: Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has broken the Ferguson-Wenger double-act that dominated the early years of the Premiership. Now the three giants who have accounted for all but one of the fourteen titles since 1993 are ready to face off again. Only United have been able to claim the Premiership while reaching and winning the final of the Champions League. As Mourinho wants that very same prize above all others, this could be the season that tests him most. The pressure to deliver is on.
Vital stats
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Capacity: 42,360
Last season: Champions
Top scorer: Frank Lampard, 20
Odds: Title 1-2, relegation 5000-1
When did they last win anything? FA Premiership, 2005-6
Last season: 1-0 (h); 0-3 (a)
United’s Premiership record against Chelsea: P28 W8 D11 L9 F35 A39
What to sing: “You should have signed for a big club…”
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