Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly believes the midfield battle will be crucial when we step out at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
We head into the game one point behind our opponents Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League, knowing an away win would strike a huge psychological blow to the hosts.
Desailly, no stranger to high pressure matches during his time with Chelsea between 1998 and 2004, believes gaining the upper hand will prove decisive, given United's counter-attacking style.
'For me it is the Chelsea midfield that needs to press and handle Manchester United,' he assesses. 'United counter-attack and so it is a team matter, spirit will make the difference, I am not sure just one guy can make the difference.
'We have an Italian coach who is very clever tactically, he understands the game and that he needs to win, but you have to be very careful because Manchester United is a team that does not really play, they let the opponent get confidence, then counter-attack and make the difference. That means Chelsea have to have two players in midfield who stay all the time in position.'
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested our Champions League exit may damage the club's hopes on the domestic front also, but Desailly believes it allows the side to focus on its main challenge.
'I am happy because the players can now focus,' he told the Official Chelsea Website. 'Having the Champions League is something extra in your season, Manchester United is playing for both, physically, psychologically, it is hard, Chelsea have one target - it will not give extra energy, but they know what is left for them and they can concentrate, which is vital.'
Having been reluctant to point to key individuals in this clash, Desailly did have praise for the recent form of his compatriot Florent Malouda, who has scored four times in his last two games, and looks a certain starter in the north west.
'It is so nice to see him smiling, playing well and scoring,' said the World Cup winner. 'It is great to see how confidently he is playing. A couple of years ago people didn't want him to stay, but the club have done well giving him a new contract and he is at peace, that's why he is performing.'
Desailly, Chelsea legend and judge for 'Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes', is calling on football fans around the globe to record their matchday experience during our match, and all other Barclays Premier League fixtures this weekend.
'I am very pleased how people have shared their experiences of the matchday experience so far, people from all over the world, Japan, Australia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, it's amazing to see the impact of the Barclays Premier League,' he said. 'I hope after this weekend we receive even more from fans around the world.'
We head into the game one point behind our opponents Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League, knowing an away win would strike a huge psychological blow to the hosts.
Desailly, no stranger to high pressure matches during his time with Chelsea between 1998 and 2004, believes gaining the upper hand will prove decisive, given United's counter-attacking style.
'For me it is the Chelsea midfield that needs to press and handle Manchester United,' he assesses. 'United counter-attack and so it is a team matter, spirit will make the difference, I am not sure just one guy can make the difference.
'We have an Italian coach who is very clever tactically, he understands the game and that he needs to win, but you have to be very careful because Manchester United is a team that does not really play, they let the opponent get confidence, then counter-attack and make the difference. That means Chelsea have to have two players in midfield who stay all the time in position.'
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested our Champions League exit may damage the club's hopes on the domestic front also, but Desailly believes it allows the side to focus on its main challenge.
'I am happy because the players can now focus,' he told the Official Chelsea Website. 'Having the Champions League is something extra in your season, Manchester United is playing for both, physically, psychologically, it is hard, Chelsea have one target - it will not give extra energy, but they know what is left for them and they can concentrate, which is vital.'
Having been reluctant to point to key individuals in this clash, Desailly did have praise for the recent form of his compatriot Florent Malouda, who has scored four times in his last two games, and looks a certain starter in the north west.
'It is so nice to see him smiling, playing well and scoring,' said the World Cup winner. 'It is great to see how confidently he is playing. A couple of years ago people didn't want him to stay, but the club have done well giving him a new contract and he is at peace, that's why he is performing.'
Desailly, Chelsea legend and judge for 'Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes', is calling on football fans around the globe to record their matchday experience during our match, and all other Barclays Premier League fixtures this weekend.
'I am very pleased how people have shared their experiences of the matchday experience so far, people from all over the world, Japan, Australia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, it's amazing to see the impact of the Barclays Premier League,' he said. 'I hope after this weekend we receive even more from fans around the world.'
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