If it's measured in commitment, consistency, leadership and vital goals then Frank Lampard is THE MAN at Chelsea. He works his socks off each and every game, provides the link between defence and attack, and gets other players playing. After breaking a recent goal-drought normal service has been resumed - so look out for Frank getting on the score sheet from a trademark late surge into the box or a strike from around the box.
His understanding with Drogba and Anelka spells danger for the United rearguard as he can unpick the tightest of defences with a slide-rule pass or a clever flick. Lampard is an all-action player so expect him to be heavily involved at both ends of the pitch. If United give him too much time and space he will dictate the play and put Chelsea on the front foot - a dangerous proposition.
Darren Fletcher may not be the most skillful player on the United roster - but he is without doubt one of the most influential.
As the fabled United midfield has either aged (Scholes and Giggs) or departed (Keane and Beckham) it has fallen to Fletcher to provide the 'spark' and 'energy' that the team desperately need. His conditioning allows him to harry the opposition for 90 minutes - putting pressure on the ball-carrier, tracking runs and making United a hard team to break down. Offensively he sets the high-tempo that United play at when at their best. Driving forward he brings both wingers into play and supports the front two of Rooney and Berbatov.
Fletcher will look to break up the slick passing game of Chelsea and play at a tempo that the likes of Deco and Malouda find uncomfortable. If he can do this United will be difficult to beat.
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