Current Form Running
Chelsea have won just once in their last seven league fixtures, a sequence of results that has earned the Blues a mere six points from a possible 21. Under-pressure manager Carlo Ancelotti is boosted, however, by the return of vice-captain Frank Lampard, who made his long awaited return from injury in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham last weekend. Meanwhile, United are on the crest of a wave after Monday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal propelled the Reds to a two-point lead in the title race and set a club record start of 16 league games unbeaten.
Ins and outs
Paulo Ferreira and Branislav Ivanovic look set to deputise in the continued absence of defensive pair Jose Bosingwa and Alex, while Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba should both start after coming off the bench against Spurs. With no fresh injuries or suspensions to worry about, Sir Alex Ferguson could be tempted to name an unchanged team for the first time in 151 matches, though Ryan Giggs may be in line to start after a brief second-half cameo against Arsenal.
Star man
Florent Malouda struggled at first to cope with the demands of English football and was a mere squad player at Stamford Bridge until the arrival of temporary manager Guus Hiddink during the 2008/09 season completely transformed his fortunes. The French winger blossomed under the Dutchman and has continued the good work for Carlo Ancelotti, scoring 12 league goals to help Chelsea land the 2009/10 title.
Referee
Martin Atkinson will take charge of Sunday's game. He was last seen by United fans in the 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford in November, when he sent off two visiting players in Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega.
Rivals Watch
Arsenal host Stoke at the Emirates on Saturday, Tottenham travel to Blackpool on Sunday and Manchester City take on Everton in Monday night’s match at Eastlands.
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