Match Preview: Chelsea v Manchester United – Blues Without Lampard In Premier League Title Decider

A much waited and keen contest is on the cards when Premier League leaders Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge to battle against Chelsea on Saturday.

A win will definitely get the Blues level on points with United, but that may not be sufficient for Avram Grant’s men to snatch the top spot as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side hold a goal difference advantage of +18.

Ahead of the crucial match Chelsea have received a severe blow as ace midfielder Frank Lampard will not make an appearance following the sad demise of his mother on Thursday.

However, Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien is back in the squad after having faced suspension against Liverpool in the Champions League Semi-Final 1st Leg.

On the other hand, the Reds are hoping that defender Nemanja Vidic gains fitness in time after his absence against Barcelona due to stomach problem.

Sir Alex has vowed to bring some changes in the squad and is likely to give Ryan Giggs a start.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex, Carvalho, Ben-Haim, Terry, A Cole, Bridge, Essien, Makelele, Mikel, Wright-Phillips, J Cole, Malouda, Shevchenko, Drogba, Kalou, Anelka, Sidwell, Pizarro.

Man United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Brown, Neville, Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Silvestre, Evra, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Park, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez.