With Chelsea and Manchester United all set to lock horns in Champions League quarterfinal stages. We look at the some of the game changers for defending England Champions Chelsea.
Petr Cech
Cech is actually not having the best of moments in his career right now. The highly-esteemed goalkeeper has conceded 22 goals in 26 Premier League starts for Chelsea, but he also has lots of saves on his account. Impressive or not, he is expected to protect the Blues' post against Manchester United in both the legs, and this means nothing but danger and a warning for the Red Devils' Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.
Ashley Cole
To play against the England defender, tricks and strength are advised to be applied. Cole does not only defend; he is also very active and helpful in counter-attacks. His behavior is not always as intolerable as many say it is; but in any case, United's front-men will need real power and organization in front to bypass the lasers of the Chelsea back player. Following his eligibility to perform, Cole is likely to be in charge of Nani.
Frank Lampard
At 32, Lampard is approaching the twilight of his career but he remains, along with Steven Gerrard, England's leading midfielder and was one of the very few members of Fabio Capello's side not to disgrace himself in South Africa. His ability is not confined to passing and vision but is measured in goals. Last season he scored 27 times for Chelsea. No midfielder in the history of the Premier League has managed more than Lampard's 158 and he remains Chelsea's third all-time leading goalscorer, a man at the heart of Ancelotti's diamond formation.
Ramires:
Having won the Double for the first time in their history, it was perhaps understandable that Chelsea did not bring many players in. While Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Deco all left, Ramires came in bringing youth - he is 23 - and steel to Ancelotti's midfield.
Fernando Torres
Torres has a lot to prove to Chelsea's staff and fans, considering the fact that he still has not appeared as a useful fighter since his landing at the club late in January. In his time at Liverpool, Torres certainly was good in scoring against top teams, and he might show his "true colors" this evening against Manchester United. Although he might not be the most powerful striker physically in the Blues' squad, creative and intelligent moves from his helpers in front and in the midfield could help take hold of a few precious chances. His presence should therefore appear as a "threat" for the Red Devils.
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