Early Chelsea clash massive game, says Ferguson
Ferguson's United are unbeaten at home but face a Chelsea side yet to lose on the road.
Monday, 05, Jan 2009 09:30
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Sunday's clash with Chelsea will prove a "massive game" in the race for the title this season.
The defending Premier League champions host Luiz Felipe Scolari's men at Old Trafford with an unbeaten home record - winning seven out of eight fixtures this season.
Despite faltering at home, Chelsea have been imperious on the road, winning eight of their ten unbeaten matches away from Stamford Bridge.
After the two sides drew 1-1 at Chelsea's ground earlier this season, Ferguson acknowledged that it is unusual for the two title rivals to face each other for the final time as early as January.
"That will be a big game," the United boss told Inside United. "It's unusual to have it in January. It's usually towards the end of the season.
"It's been later - in the last two or three games - for the last two seasons. It doesn't matter when you play Chelsea, though, it's always going to be a massive game."
"It's a little different with the timing, but we're still aiming to win it. They've done very well away from home but not so well at home so it's been interesting from them this season," Ferguson added.
United are currently placed five points behind Chelsea and seven adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
But the Reds still have two games in hand on their rivals - both home fixtures against Wigan and Fulham.
Furthermore, Chelsea and Liverpool have both played two more home games than United and both Rafa Benitez's side and Arsenal still face trips to Old Trafford.