Preview: Chelsea vs Man Utd

eyefootball previews the most important game of the Premiership season so far, as Chelsea host top side Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the early afternoon kick off on Saturday. United are three points clear at the top, but a victory for Chelsea could move Avram Grant's men level on points with just two games remaining.

Man Utd were not done any favours last week with a draw last week, whilst Chelsea have somehow managed to battle back to the top end of the Premiership after their season looked destined to be over.

The importance of this game cannot be underestimated, as both sides have rather simple run-ins in their final two games of the season.

Chelsea's last two

Newcastle (a)

Bolton (h)

Man Utd's last two

West Ham (h)

Wigan (a)

Both teams are chasing the Premier League and Champions League double, and many predict that this - much like the Champions League - could go to the wire.

A victory for Man Utd at Stamford Bridge - something that hasn't happened in 7200 minutes of football would more than likely secure the Premiership title for United.

However, Chelsea will have something to say about that with the impressive run of 18 games without a loss in the Premiership.

Injuries and Suspensions

Frank Lampard will not be available for Chelsea as he mourns the death of his mother. Michael Essien could slot in though as he returns from injury.

Nemanja Vidic looks likely to return from injury, whilst Ryan Giggs is also expected to come in and play for this crucial game.

Squads

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 Utd (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.

This season's reverse game

Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea

23 September 2007 - Ref: Mike Dean

Man Utd scorers: Tevez 45, Saha 90 (pen)

Sent Off: Obi (Chelsea) 32