Why is Chelsea even contemplating selling Juan Mata to Manchester United?

So after United spent all summer telling Chelsea they are not willing to do business with an opposing rival, they have made an about turn and just signed Spanish midfielder Juan Mata from Chelsea. If I was Chelsea I would’ve flipped them the bird and told them to take a hike. United wouldn’t even entertain the fact of selling Wayne Rooney in the summer based on the fact that if they sell him to Chelsea it could come back to bite them in the ass in every competition – a la Arsenal selling Robin Van Persie to United last season. With Chelsea not seeing United as the threat they once were and having already played United twice in the league this year, Chelsea may see it as a chance to get a leg up on their main rivals, City and Arsenal.

By selling Mata now, he could be crucial if United are to take points from both those teams and thus benefit Chelsea massively. But that’s pretty short sighted. What happens next season when they have to play each other? What happens if Oscar or Hazard gets injured for the rest of the season? What happens if United go on to take a Champions League spot and then have buying power to poach some of Chelsea’s targets next season? Chelsea could be left very short handed and should’ve nailed the coffin shut on United’s season. The only reason I would’ve entertained selling Mata would be if it was a swap for Wayne Rooney. Chelsea would get the striker they have been craving and United fill a hole that has needed filling for years. However this has not been the case with Chelsea buying Mohamed Salah to fill the potential void left by Juan. United should be more than stoked with this transfer. Never in their wildest dreams would they have thought they would pick up a player with 15+ goals and 30+ assists for less than 40 million euros. He is proven in the EPL and will go a long way to erasing the memories of big money transfer duds such as Dimitar Berbatov. Mata could provide United with the same effect that Mesut Ozil had on Arsenal when he arrived and inspire others to thrive on the pressure of their league position and push themselves further up the table. Finally a good piece of business completed by the United staff and one that I do believe will push them into a Champions League position come May. Chelsea may well come to rue this decision in the next 18 months...

Liverpool vs Everton

After Liverpool had Mohamed Salah stolen from under their noses, it seemed like Deja vu all over again for the Red army. Having Tottenham steal half the players that Liverpool had targeted last summer, it’s now Chelsea who joined in on the fun. Luckily for the Reds they haven’t had any targets on Luis Suarez’s back in this window which must come as a huge relief to the Fenway Sports Group owners. Going into the local derby they will need everyone on board as they once again try to prove to their neighbours that they will always be looking up at them. After a 3 all draw at Goodison Park earlier this season, the Reds are back at home and would love nothing more else than to turn the screws on their cross town rivals. A lot has been said about what formation Brendan Rodgers will use and considering the attacking talent they have at their disposal it probably is a good problem to have. The main issue is whatever formation is played, two of either Daniel Sturridge, Victor Moses, Raheem Sterling or Philip Coutinho will have to do a fair bit of defensive work ,which none of them are particularly fond of. They will need to provide cover for the fullbacks as well as get forward and provide the likes of Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines problems with their speed and skillset.

Everton are still chugging along under the radar as most teams don’t see them as a top 4 team but are always weary of what they can achieve when taken lightly. Sitting only 1 point outside the top 4 provides them with the opportunity of denting a perennial rival and jumping back into the European births. If they can’t get up for the derby, then they might as well pack their bags and head back down the highway. Usually the underdog in this affair, Everton is the little brother that watches his big brother win all the awards as he struggles to live up to the brothers standards. This has been happening for decades. Although there are no real signs of this changing anytime soon, the gap has definitely closed right up and the Toffees are more confident than ever of battling their neighbours for Merseyside bragging rights. Without this fear and a more positive, attacking mindset under Roberto Martinez, Everton will be looking to expose the defensive frailties that have plagued the Reds’ season at pivotal times. His tactics will have to be spot on as Suarez and co will be right on hand to expose any mistakes they can get hands (feet?) on.

The Deciding Factor
Can Liverpool get their formation figured out? Will it be effective or will it leave them exposed on the flanks? I still think Liverpool don’t have the right players to play the complete brand of football that Rodgers wants and this can unexpectedly leave them exposed on the counter attack. Everton will be licking their lips if the Reds get left wanting on the defensive front.

Prediction
It’s hard to pick against Liverpool at home, especially given their recent record. However it is a derby, and one of the biggest in England which means form, past records etc go out the window. Another entertaining draw I can see eventuating. 2-2.

Tottenham vs Manchester City

This could be a statement game for Spurs as they build on the work of Tim Sherwood since he has taken over at White Hart Lane. So far they have surged up the table and sit in 4th place and much of this rise is down to the form shown by Mr Jekyll and Hyde, Emmanuel Adebayor. He surely has to be one of the most frustrating figures in world football, up there with Berbatov and Mario Ballotelli. He has the physical attributes of any top athlete given his size and speed, but he generally looks like he’d rather be back at home playing playstation against his African mates. Lazy, carefree and uninterested have been terms used to describe him, but never the less every season he puts together a spurt of games where he looks untouchable. That period is right now. No one ever knows how long it will last so it is important Spurs make the most of it. Being a former Man City striker, Adebayor will be looking to get one back on his former employers and show the critics why he was once touted as one of the top strikers in the EPL. If he can get half decent service, he will give the likes of Vincent Kompany and co a good running around and hopefully put the big spenders on the back foot.

Man City have been lighting up English football for the last couple of months and once again have the opportunity to show people they are the team to beat. No big money moves has been made by the club but let’s be honest, with the squad they have assembled they could sell 2 or 3 players and still have more than enough. Greedy if you ask me. We’ll take Sergio Aguero at Arsenal! Given the injury to Samir Nasri, the flanks of Man City have been ably filled by summer signing Jesus Navas and David Silva. The Spanish duo offer different attributes, one speed and strength while the other is more technically astute and can play that killer ball to the strikers. With City scoring over 100 goals this year, it is easy to see why they are the team to beat and given Spurs’ old backline, they will be under some serious pressure from the goal hungry City boys.

The Deciding Factor
Can the juggernaut be stopped? Spurs will need to be at their defensive best to stop the City boys, but will also need their midfield to stand up and control possession when they do get it. The ability to retain possession and create pressure will be crucial.

Prediction
City have been going too well lately, and it’s time they had a bit of a reality check, especially away from home where we all know how much they have struggled. Draw 2-2.

Further predictions:

Man United vs Cardiff City – Man United
Norwich vs Newcastle – Newcastle
Southampton vs Arsenal – Arsenal
Swansea vs Fulham – Draw
Crystal Palace vs Hull City – Draw
Aston Villa vs West Brom – Aston Villa
Chelsea vs West Ham – Chelsea
Sunderland vs Stoke City – Draw