United can make point

Chelsea and Manchester United can share the spoils when they meet in their vital Barclays Premier League match on Sunday.

Most bookmakers make Chelsea, the league leaders, evens to make the most of home advantage, with United, their nearest pursuers, generally 3-1 to win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2002. But the draw, available at 23-10 with Coral, looks the bet.

Chelsea probably deserve to be favourites after winning nine of their 11 league fixtures and making smooth progress in the cup competitions.

However, the bare facts do not tell the whole story. A 3-1 defeat away to Wigan Athletic was inexplicable and a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa, soon after, showed a vulnerability at setpieces.

And, had it not been for last-gasp winners against Hull City and Stoke City, Carlo Ancelotti would have a lot less to smile about.

Didier Drogba has been superb for the Blues but those tempted to take the standout 9-5 that Paddy Power offer against him scoring at any time should note that he he has yet to score against United in the league.
United go into the game just two points behind Chelsea despite rarely hitting top gear this term.

Just twice - when winning 5-0 at Wigan and then 3-1 away to Spurs when 1-0 down in the opening minute and reduced to ten men - have the champions ticked all the boxes.

It says much for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, though, that they have, by and large, kept digging out results.
Darren Fletcher’s recent return from injury is a boost for them, while Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs have been doing their best to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.

United are far less intimidating without Ronaldo, but he was only a substitute when United draw 1-1 away to Chelsea last term. And Nemanja Vidic, who missed that fixture, should be available this time after recovering from a calf problem.

Most firms go 11-2 about another 1-1 scoreline, with 2-2 chalked up at 16-1.