It was the biggest fixture in the country at Wembley in April, once again in August and it will be again at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Manchester derby, United against City. Red versus blue.
Yet, while the possibility of a Manchester title race is discussed nationwide, surely Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas can stand to benefit from the media frenzy.
When Villas-Boas joined Chelsea in the summer, it was after a short but distinguished beginning to his management career in Portugal. The 34 year old won the treble last season with Porto, going the entire league season unbeaten. Certainly, everything about Jose Mourinho’s former scout was impressive.
Yet, as has been witnessed on numerous occasions in the last 8 years, past glories and reputation alone will not save a manager from receiving his P45 in the post with Roman Abramovich in charge.
Thus, as Villas-Boas began his time at Chelsea the pressure on the young manager to win trophies was huge. Yet, early in the season though it may be, the manager has impressed. With 6 wins out of 8 in the league, the clubs only defeat came in an impressive performance at Old Trafford. Equally impressive in Europe, not only are Chelsea winning games, they are scoring freely for the first time since the early stages of last season.
It would be foolish to write Chelsea out of the title race, the club have long been criticised for having an ageing squad, yet recently the likes of David Luiz, Ramires, Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge have taken the places that 18 months ago were occupied by Carvalho, Ballack, Deco and Anelka.
Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba still offer valuable experience, and that in combination with Chelsea’s youth makes them certain to sustain a challenge for the title.
What is certain is that Andre Villas-Boas will continue to go about his business with minimum fuss, having already shown he has no problem leaving out the club’s bigger names. Following the start to the season, he will expect trophies at the end of it.
On Sunday, shortly after the Manchester derby Chelsea will travel for a derby of their own against promoted QPR. With Chelsea not having lost in the league to promoted opposition since 2001, Andre Villas Boas will hope to continue the clubs fine run of form. What remains to be seen is how much longer both him and the club can fly under the radar if they do.
Written by Cameron Humphries for FootballFancast.com. Comment below and follow me on Twitter @CamHumphries for cutting edge debate regarding all things sport.
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