United set for Chelsea clash
February 04, 2012 12:33:20 UK
Manchester United face a difficult trip to face rivals Chelsea to Stamford Bridge on Sunday as they continue their quest for a record-breaking 20th league title.
Andre Villas-Boas is without Ashely Cole.Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have not enjoyed recent success on their trips to West London in the Premier League, with their last victory coming ten years ago.
In team news, talisman Wayne Rooney has been passed fit along with England winger Ashley Young, while Tom Cleverley could make his first appearance since October.
All eyes will once again be on under-fire goalkeeper David De Gea who will also make a return after Anders Lindegaard picked up an ankle injury which could rule him out for six weeks.
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For Chelsea, captain John Terry will not be available due to a knee injury, which could mean new signing Gary Cahill is given his debut by Andre Villas-Boas.
In a blow for the Blues as they aim to secure their spot in the top-four Ashley Cole is suspended, but Frank Lampard could make a welcome return to the ranks.
Looking ahead to the clash, Ferguson has welcomed the return of Young, whose freshness he believes could add a new dimension to his side.
"There is no doubt freshness will help," said the Scotsman.
"When Ashley got his injury at Fulham it was just at a point when his game was starting to shade a little bit.
"His early form was fantastic and we were really pleased with him but there were just a couple of games when it looked as if we were ready to give him a break.
"It turned out to be an enforced one but he is fresh now and his training performances the last two weeks have been really good."
There is no doubt freshness will help.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Chelsea are rated as 2.62 to earn the win, with United 2.75.
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