Manchester United v Chelsea: elusive Robin van Persie poses the biggest threat ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Sir Alex Ferguson would normally go like for like with Chelsea, playing three in central midfield to avoid getting overrun. It would be a major surprise if David Moyes did not do the same, whilst trying to maintain a potent attack. This, after all, is a huge night for the new man. For his first home game in charge he naturally wants to make a good impression. And that means creating plenty of chances in a vibrant display. So does he pick Wayne Rooney – as he has suggested – with all that is going on? Much will depend on the player's state of mind.

Alongside this, though, the cautious part of Moyes will urge a little restraint. He is probably expecting Mourinho to play a counter-attacking game, so will resist over-committing when his team surges forward. Hugely experienced, Moyes has, of course, been here many times before. But never in charge of a team bearing so much expectation. Mourinho's choice of centre-forward The odds look in favour of Fernando Torres. Demba Ba did not do enough against Villa to push for a place whilst Romelu Lukaku is regarded inside Stamford Bridge, for the moment at least, as an impact player from the bench. Torres did reasonably well against Hull without pulling up any trees. His link play with those around was often very good and he won the penalty Frank Lampard missed and the free-kick from which he scored. The glaring thing missing was the lack of a goal threat, something that must change for Torres to regularly wear the shirt. If Ferdinand and Vidic have the Spaniard in their pockets tomorrow, Chelsea lose so much forward momentum.

Team-mates need to be confident
Torres will hold the ball up before committing themselves with a run beyond. The quality of substitutes In this regard, you have to say that Chelsea hold the upper hand. For their first two games, Juan Mata, Michael Essien, Ba, De Bruyne, Schurrle and Marco van Ginkel have all started on the bench. United, meanwhile, had Anderson, Chris Smalling, Shinji Kagawa and young Wilfried Zaha joining want-away Rooney for the Swansea match. Tomorrow's clash looks set to be tight. As so often happens, it might be that the last 20 minutes decide the outcome when fresh legs and sharp minds make an appearance. Should the game be level in the latter stages, Mourinho can glance over his shoulder to see plenty of options. Moyes, as yet, does not boast quite so many.