The Key Battles
Nicolas Anelka v Rio Ferdinand
Nicolas Anelka's recent scoring form could not have come at a better time for the Frenchman as he looks to keep his place in the Chelsea line-up ahead of the fit-again Didier Drogba.
Having failed to set Stamford Bridge alight since his €19 million move from Bolton in January, Anelka seems to be a player reborn under Scolari. He has already scored more this term than he managed for Chelsea last season and the United back line will have their hands full against a player looking back to his potent best.
The man charged with the task of stopping Anelka will be Ferdinand, the only player to have emerged from Anfield with any credit according to boss Alex Ferguson. With centre-back partner Nemanja Vidic suspended, the 29-year-old will assume an even greater responsibility in a game so crucial to United's stuttering season. Ferdinand has carried his imperious form from last season into the new campaign and will be confident he can keep the Chelsea attack at bay.
Frank Lampard v Owen Hargreaves
A key tussle in the centre of midfield is likely to be between England colleagues Lampard and Hargreaves, in what will be Lampard's 400th Premier League appearance. The former West Ham man has shrugged off the summer rumours of a move to Inter Milan by getting his season off to a flying start.
After inspiring Chelsea to their win over Manchester City, Lampard then scored one and set up two in the midweek rout of Bordeaux and will look to continue this fine form in tomorrow's game.
Owen Hargreaves made his first start of the season against Villarreal and is likely to be the man called upon to contain Lampard. With midfield partner Michael Carrick ruled out for up to six weeks with a broken foot, Hargreaves will be asked to stifle and snuff out any potential Chelsea threat. Having been in and out of the side since his arrival at Old Trafford last summer, now could be the time for the Canada- born man to shine.
John Terry v Carlos Tevez
Centre of the media spotlight this week has been Chelsea skipper John Terry, who will line up against the champions after his red card at Manchester City was rescinded. Now the centre-back will focus on the task in hand and will relish the chance to move his side nine points clear of their rivals. Terry rarely lets his standards slip but will once again have to be on his guard to handle United's talented forward line.
Of Ferguson's much-talked about attacking options, Carlos Tevez has been the only one to find the net so far this season, claiming the opener at Anfield last weekend. The Argentinian striker, who is still on loan, has been a consistent performer since his arrival at Old Trafford in July 2007, netting 16 times last season. United will look for another big display from Tevez if his team are to leave London with a much-needed result.
