Written by Shahan Ahmed
Follow @perfectpass on Twitter

Top Two: Manchester United vs Chelsea

Chelsea vs Manchester United is not just the top two teams in England facing off; it is also the two most exciting teams in England meeting in the 9th round of the 2012-13 Premier League campaign.

Manchester United, more so than Chelsea, is a side that has constantly entertained this season. Injuries have plagued United in defense, and consequently this season’s Manchester United is not a defensive side. For the neutral fan, United’s shambolic defense and stalwart attack provides enough thrills and highlights to emphatically enjoy 90 minutes of football. United scores goals, and having last year’s top two Premier League scorers on the same team is a good formula to putting the ball in the back of the net.

The pair of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney scored an aggregate 57 goals last season. These two premier attacking talents can collectively claim to have netted more goals than 15 Premiership teams scored last season. This season, Robin Van Persie’s arrival at Manchester United has already taken the Red Devils top of the Premier League in scoring with 21 goals in 8 matches. Van Persie has 6 of those goals and is tied for top scorer in England, along with Demba Ba and Michu.

Chelsea, incidentally, is second in the league in scoring this season. In the table, Chelsea is top of the pops and cannot be caught. United is in second place, but even a win for Manchester United on Sunday will not completely close the early lead Chelsea has accumulated. After 8 rounds, Chelsea hasn’t lost a single match in England, but the Blues are far from flawless.

This year’s Chelsea has been an impressive Premier League team, but the Blues only have one win in three European matches. To say Chelsea is disinterested in Europe is not a fair statement to the Blues’ European opponents. Chelsea, though, is relying on a new core of attacking talents that are short on Champions League experience but should compete for Europe’s ultimate prize for the next decade.

28 year-old Fernando Torres leads the line this season, but the Spaniard is supported by a group of multi-national youngsters that have skills, vision, and tremendous understanding.

The oldest of the kids—and the only one who was with Chelsea last season—is 24 year-old Juan Mata (Spanish), who scored twice and created another last weekend away at Tottenham. The other three attack-minded kids are all 21 years of age and new additions to Stamford Bridge this season: Oscar (Brazil), Eden Hazard (Belgium), and Victor Moses (Nigeria). These four players interchange positions, exchange passes, and possess some mouthwatering attacking talent.

Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea has only one draw and no losses in eight matches so far. This record is due in large part to Chelsea’s defense led by Petr Cech. Although far from perfect, Chelsea is joint leader in the Premiership with the fewest goals allowed, six.

However, Chelsea has yet to come across an attacking force like Manchester United. As much as United’s defense should be easily unlocked by the Chelsea kids and Torres, the Blues’ defense should be overwhelmed by the likes of Rooney and Robin Van Persie.

Sunday should feature flicks and tricks with another Chelsea versus Manchester United treat.

Note: must-watch Premier League: Everton vs Liverpool – Merseyside

Director’s Picks: October 26, 2012

Free Pick:

1. Aston Villa vs Norwich City: Aston Villa ton win at 2.01
The computer calculates Villa to have a 62% chance of winning compared to oddsmakers who currently have it at 48.8% for Villa. Getting even money back on Villa at home is a good play considering Norwich is winless away from home with 1 draw and 3 losses. Villa has hardly impressed to this point, but the last two home matches at Villa Park saw the Villans draw against a good West Brom side and pick apart a struggline Swansea side. Now, it’s Norwich’s turn, and there is value here.

AccuScore’s Director of European Football has been stellar this season with an overall mark of 11-7, but he doesn’t believe in making picks that doesn’t pay better than even money or close to it. So, with his system, he’s +620 this season, and an impressive 9-3 over his last 12 picks. Member: Sign in Now to see the rest of this week’s picks. Not a member? Join now using the coupon code ahmed2013 and get AccuScore membership at 20% off membership. With this membership, you’ll get access to picks and analysis for the Champions League knock-out rounds. Also, you’ll get picks rated on a star system for every match in the Serie A, Premier League, Bundesliga and La Liga . Become a member today!

2. Fulham versus Reading: Fulham to win at 2.550 Fulham has Dimitar Berbatov and Diarra available, and when Diarra was in the lineup early in the season, Fulham looked a top side. Even away from Craven cottage this good odds for the Cottagers. AccuScore’s simulations have Fulham winning 50.5% of the time compared to oddsmakers that give them a 38.4% chance, so there is value here according to the computer.