Analysis:

Chelsea welcome the visit of Manchester United for this clash at Stamford Bridge and the host at in their best form coming into this game. Chelsea are challenging United for the Premiership title and this match could see Chelsea move away further away in the standings if they were to win here.

Apart from the slip ups against Wigan and Aston Villa, Chelsea have been playing great football and are top of the standings now. Chelsea have scored 15 goals from their five games at the Bridge, ten in their last three, and conceded just once, to Hull City's Stephen Hunt on the opening day of the season.

United have dropped to third spot after Arsenal's win yesterday and now could go five points behind Chelsea after the weekend. It must be noted here that Chelsea have taken apart Blackburn, Bolton and Burnley this term however United have struggled, finding it difficult to break down teams not in the top four.

United also have to deal with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic possibly missing this match as manager Sir Alex Ferguson may have to keep his faith in Wes Brown and Jonny Evans despite the duo looking shaky as United conceded three goals at home to CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford in midweek.

And it can be seen that even with Ferdinand and Vidic in the side United have kept only one clean-sheet in their past four league games.

United's record against sides in the top four are not promising. United have only won two of their last eight games against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, losing four, but before anyone goes against them, it is worth remembering that United have a habit of performing to their best when under pressure.

With regards to the team news, Nicolas Anelka will start upfront with Didier Drogba after sitting on the bench for the 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Portuguese midfielder Deco could also start in place of Joe Cole behind the two strikers. Defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Branislav Ivanovic who did not play against Atletico Madrid could come back into the reckoning. This means that Alex and Juliano Belletti will make way for them.

As for United, they will hope to have the likes of Vidic (calf), Ryan Giggs (knee) and Dimitar Berbatov for this trip but Ferdinand (calf) has been ruled out with the same calf complaint that has troubled him over the past few weeks. Gary Neville will be replaced by John O'Shea at right-back as he is suspended after his red card against Barnsley in the Carling Cup.

Darren Fletcher will start after returning against CSKA in midweek despite needing injections to get him through the match. Park Ji-Sung returned to training this week but at best will start from the bench.

United have not won at Stamford Bridge in their last seven games. Expect both sides to share points in this match.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Draw Match 1-1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Go for this match to end in a draw.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Manchester United and accept the 1/2 ball here.