United need a first win at Stamford Bridge in seven years in order to regain pole position...
Form Guide: Chelsea have amassed a total of 13 goals in their past three league games, taking a two-point lead over United in the process. Their bid for a fifth straight win in all competitions failed in midweek, however, when Sergio Aguero struck a last-minute equaliser for Atletico Madrid; Didier Drogba’s two goals in the final eight minutes looked to have sealed a Champions League win but the 2-2 draw in Spain was still enough to send the Blues into the last 16. United, meanwhile, were on the right end of a last-gasp leveller and will be buoyed after coming back from 3-1 down to book a place in the knockout stages. Domestic matters now take priority and the Reds will see Sunday's game as a golden opportunity to reclaim top spot after conceding it with defeat at Anfield.
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti has made an impressive start in English football, having joined Chelsea in the summer after a long and successful spell with Milan. While at the San Siro, he picked up a number of major prizes, most notably the Serie A title and two Champions League crowns in 2003 (at Old Trafford) and 2007 (after beating United in the semi-finals). He might have conquered Europe earlier, with Juventus in 1999, had the Treble-chasing Reds not pulled off a stirring comeback in the second leg of the semi.
Ins and Outs: Chelsea may recall Nicolas Anelka and Deco to the starting line-up as they target the victory that would put them five points ahead of United. Defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Branislav
Ivanovic are also likely to return after resting on the bench for the match in Madrid. Meanwhile, United are likely revert back to the team that beat Blackburn with Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs all set to recover from their respective injuries. However, Gary Neville is still suspended and Rio Ferdinand could miss out again due to a calf injury.
Star Man: Frank Lampard. Having gone ten games without a goal, the England midfielder has netted in three of Chelsea's last four matches. His ability to create opportunities for Drogba and Anelka also makes him a threat.
Referee: Martin Atkinson. The man who refereed arguably the greatest Manchester derby of all time will be the man in the middle on Sunday. He's brandished 56 yellow cards since the beginning of the season but has yet to show a red.
Rivals Watch: Man City v Burnley Sat 15:00, Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal Sat 17:30, Liverpool v Birmingham Mon 20:00.
Source: manutd.com
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