Chelsea are likely to welcome back Marcel Desailly for tonight's crucial Premiership clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman has not played since the injury-time victory against Aston Villa on December 9th, missing four games in the meantime with a knee injury including the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

But with captain Dennis Wise suspended and Gustavo Poyet out injured for at least a couple of weeks, the timing of Desailly's expected return could hardly have been better.

A colossus at the back alongside compatriot Frank Leboeuf, the French international signed from AC Milan over the summer has also played several times this season in a holding role in midfield.

Italian Roberto Di Matteo may also be back to partner Desailly in central midfield after missing the trip to The Dell on St Stephen's Day through suspension, while the hand injury which required a minor operation should have cleared up sufficiently.

Chelsea will wait until later this week for further tests on the knee injury which Poyet suffered at Southampton before giving an update on his condition, despite reports already ruling him out for six weeks.

But with Graeme Le Saux back in contention after missing the 2-0 victory on St Stepen's Day as his wife was giving birth, there is also another name in the squad to strengthen Gianluca Vialli's options - himself.

The player-manager knows that while Chelsea could easily have snatched a late victory at Old Trafford, where they have lost just two league games since 1966, their record against United at Stamford Bridge is poor.

The humiliating FA Cup third-round defeat in January, when United led 5-0 before conceding three late goals when victory had already been assured, was a crushing blow to Chelsea's morale last season.

They were also beaten 1-0 in the league by United on February 28th, with Phil Neville the unlikely goalscorer, to leave them 14 points behind the then Premiership leaders.

The table is much closer now, with victory likely to give either side a big psychological advantage, but Vialli will not need to inspire his side amid the already hyped-up expectation at Stamford Bridge.

With two European Cups, three Serie A titles and one French championship already under Desailly's belt, as well as the nickname "monster" for his ability to terrify opponents, the return of the Frenchman could be crucial in achieving victory. United manager Alex Ferguson has scotched rumours that his goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is about to be replaced in the team.

The Dane, who will leave English football at the end of the season, retains his place in tonight's vital Premiership encounter despite his uncharacteristically frail form.

Speculation has been rife that United are in the market for a top-class goalkeeper to maintain their search for honours on domestic and European fronts in 1999.

But an angry United manager said: "It is nonsense to suggest that I'm looking to replace Peter now. Have I signed anyone? There is your answer."

Meanwhile, the Dutch defender Jaap Stam, who is ruled out of the Stamford Bridge game with an ankle injury, is not about to be rushed back.

"Jaap had been playing on his bad ankle all the time in big games like Barcelona and Tottenham," said Ferguson, "and now it is important to get him sorted out and give him a break. With his World Cup efforts this could be the right moment.

"David Beckham is suspended for our Cup game against Middlesbrough on Saturday so after Chelsea there is the chance to tell him to rest for a few days. We have also rested Paul Scholes intermittently and we gave Gary Neville a holiday when he needed it."

The United manager's preoccupation with his players' welfare has extended to him calling for a January break.

He said: "Next season you could play 17 games in the European Cup if you get to the final, plus internationals. You don't realise what we're asking players.

"We expect the British qualities like doggedness, endurance and grit to come to the fore and we're trying to develop skilful European players too. Now as football managers all we can focus on is preparation and recovery."

Alex Ferguson is fired up for Manchester United's crucial Premiership showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today. tomorrow. The United chief's main doubts surround £28 million worth of talent forced to miss Saturday's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest with Dwight Yorke, Jaap Stam and Andy Cole all having treatment.

"We will have to see how they are before making any decisions," said Ferguson admits he is looking forward to tonight's big game. "We have a very good record at Chelsea," he said. "It's one of our favourite grounds just as it is for Chelsea when they come to Old Trafford. It's a strange situation.

"It will be a smashing match and I think it has some significance for the title race in that whoever wins will be doing handstands. It's important for us that we win it."

Gary Neville is available after missing Saturday's win through suspension but will be out again on Sunday after totting up five bookings. He misses the FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough but could be back tonight at the expense of brother Phil who was right-back against Forest.

Defender Ronny Johnsen, who scored twice on Saturday, could lose his place if Stam and Neville return but Ferguson may decide to leave Johnsen in the side alongside the Dutchman.

The title race is the tightest it has been for years with United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Leeds all up there fighting for the crown.

It is in sharp contrast to last year when United were well ahead of the pack. "Maybe this is a better situation for us," he said.