Up for the fight: Chelsea full back Jose Bosingwa (left)
says his team have a plan in store to stop Cristiano
Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, who escaped unscathed from a car crash on his
way to training yesterday, only played as a sub in September’s 1-1
draw at Stamford Bridge. He was recovering from injury at the time
but Bosingwa sees him as the key player in the crucial clash this
weekend.
Right-back Bosingwa said: “To stop Cristiano is not
easy but at Chelsea there are people who know him well, including
the manager. “We know what to do to stop him putting on a
show.”
With Ronaldo’s habit of switching wings, Bosingwa can
expect to go head-to-head with the European Footballer of the
Year.
Having trained and played with him in the Portugal side
though, Bosingwa is one of the people who knows Ronaldo and his
tricks.
Chelsea chief Phil Scolari, formerly Ronaldo’s national
boss, is another who is well aware of what the Portugeezer can do
to teams. Sunday’s game is crucial for Chelsea. They are three
points behind leaders Liverpool and only four clear of United, who
have two games in hand on their rivals.
The Blues realise that people are beginning to wonder
if they can keep up their title challenge and a win over the
champions will silence their critics.
Chelsea have taken only 10 points from their last seven
League games — including draws with West Ham and Fulham. And last
Saturday they were held by League One also-rans Southend in the FA
Cup.
Bosingwa said: “Some people are beginning to doubt our
chances for the title, but we want to leave Manchester proving that
there is a lot still be to be decided.
“This game is very important for our fight for the
title. United are coming from behind and are pressing hard and the
game will not be easy. “But we plan to go there and claim victory.
It would be a big boost for morale if we got three points. And we
know whatever happens we cannot stop fighting for our target.”
Chelsea will travel to Manchester with a fully-fit
squad except for long-term injury victim Michael Essien. Scolari
has returned to his 4-2-3-1 formation in training this week and is
likely to start with one striker. Didier Drogba will probably get
the nod ahead of Nicolas Anelka while Michael Ballack and Deco are
also set to return to the team.
Bosingwa said he has already seen a change in attitude
this week. He said: “All the players are with Scolari. He’s our
coach and is more than qualified to lead us to success. “This week
I have noticed a greater intensity in training at Chelsea. “I have
seen more energy in all my colleagues because we have a big match
against United on Sunday which is vital for the title and we want
to win it.”
United are likely to field Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and
Dimitar Berbatov against the Blues as they bid to bounce back from
the shock Carling Cup semi-final first leg defeat at Derby.
Boss Alex Ferguson gave troubled hitman Carlos Tevez a
chance to shine in Wednesday’s first-leg tie at Pride Park — and
was rewarded with an abject performance as Derby won 1-0.
Fergie was fuming at the way Tevez played, especially
as the Argentinian spent the previous 48 hours moaning that his
loan deal has still not been turned into a permanent transfer.
United legend Lou Macari said: “Tevez up front never
got going. “It is always difficult for a player when he has been in
the news and put that pressure on himself. It is difficult to
deliver and he certainly didn’t deliver against Derby.”
Fergie pulled no punches after Kris Commons’ wonder
strike sent his side tumbling to defeat. He rapped: “We are lucky,
we could have lost by four. But if we take any team back to Old
Trafford with a 1-0 deficit we expect to overcome them and I’m sure
we will.”
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