Key battles'We had such a positive result at Spurs last week that Shakhtar was a bit of a knock-back. It showed again that because we are European champions everyone is looking to us as their biggest game of the season, so we are a target, particularly in Europe.
'Everyone wants to knock us off our pedestal - none more so than Man United this weekend. We have to play well, but even when not everything is clicking we have enough to win matches.
'That goes for individuals too. Look at Juan Mata, who has been something else this season. Because he is in great form and everyone is talking about him, opposing sides will prepare special measures for him. But we have several players you could put into that in-form category. We're playing well and top of the league.
'The problem for Man Utd in dealing with them is that their central midfield area is not the strongest it's been and they were without Darren Fletcher for a long time which was a blow for them. It is an area, with our creativity and pace, we can exploit.
'Their centre-backs are being exposed a little more than we've seen in recent years and maybe again that is a question mark over the central midfield. It's not happening that regularly but the defence is missing some players and not as solid as Sir Alex would like.
'So I don't know how much individual attention they can afford to give to Mata, or anybody else in our attacking three.
'Fernando Torres is often centre stage against United. It's difficult to criticise him when he has played well recently, with great work-rate. He's also made a great link-up between the three behind. Although he didn't look the full shilling in midweek, with Torres you have to keep playing him, even just for the psychological impact.
'Daniel Sturridge has looked lively and dynamic when he has come on in the last two matches, and Robbie Di Matteo may be looking at him in a central role.
'Playing against United, though, you'd play Torres so as not to give them a lift in the dressing room when they see the teamsheet. They would know and fear Torres's capabilities on the big occasion.
'Obviously Man Utd's main threats are Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie - and, like last year here, we have no John Terry again. I have no concerns about Gary Cahill and David LuÃz as long as they stay completely focused.
'With Rooney there's some debate about the best position for him now, and he's been used in midfield recently. To be honest, you could play him at right back and he would still look good.
'You can't really plan for Rooney but you can RVP. He's quite one-footed so you look at closing his left side down. You also have to keep your body open because he's nippy and has very good movement. Isolate him as much as possible, steal his service so he's not involved. If you concentrate and succeed in that he will drift wide where he is less effective.
'I have to say I am massively looking forward to this match. And especially to a famous victory for the Blues.'
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