It is hard to imagine that only six weeks ago Chelsea were sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, whilst all their closest rivals apparently in crisis. However, as we approach the Christmas period, it is Manchester United sitting in the box seat, with a monumental opportunity to go a long way to reclaiming their Premier League crown.

United have not won at the Bridge since 2002, and whilst the Blues have won five of the last seven clashes at home, Alex Ferguson will rightly feel aggrieved not to have taken more points from his recent visits to the home of the champions.

Added to this, recent weeks have seen Chelsea undergo the worst run of form since Roman Abramovic started bankrolling the Blues back in 2003. A further defeat here would do untold damage to a side that Carlo Ancelotti optimistically stated were “over” their horror trot after the high tempo draw with Tottenham last weekend.

Ancelotti will point to a run of injuries to key players during a difficult period of fixtures, and will be highly relieved to have influential midfielder Frank Lampard back from long standing groin and hernia problems.

United will be flying high after inflicting Arsenal’s fifth Premier League defeat of the season, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy with the ever improving form of his squad as the crucial months of the campaign approach. For all of Chelsea’s problems, the most important factor for United will be coming through this upcoming fixture deluge with their points lead intact. Expect a cagey stalemate.

Prediction: 1-1

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