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Grant: Hoping to catch United

Skysports.com prediction: Chelsea 2 Middlesbrough 0

One to watch: Nicolas Anelka

SkyBet Odds: Chelsea 2/9 Draw 4/1 Middlesbrough 9/1

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Chelsea continue their pursuit of Manchester United as they lock horns with Middlesbrough on Sunday.

The Blues moved into second place with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal last week but they remain five points adrift of Manchester United.

They could be further behind by the time they take to the field at Stamford Bridge as United are in action against Aston Villa on Saturday.

There has nevertheless been some confident words coming out of the Chelsea camp since the Arsenal win and Avram Grant's side will feel that if they can keep up their stunning form they will snatch the title.

John Terry could be doubtful after being withdrawn at half-time in England's friendly defeat to France because of a hamstring problem.

Frank Lampard also missed the game in Paris after being struck down by illness but Grant will be hoping there is sufficient time for him to recover.

Petr Cech is also expected to be fit following an ankle problem and Grant could make other changes with half an eye on next week's UEFA Champions League game in Turkey against Fenerbahce.

Michael Essien started at right-back against The Gunners but it is likely that Juliano Belletti will come back in, with the Ghanaian reverting back to midfield.

Nicolas Anelka may get another chance up front after impressing for France in midweek, while Florent Malouda and Shaun Wright-Phillips are also pushing for places on the wings.

Boro pair suspended

Middlesbrough are eight points clear of the relegation zone after following up draws against Aston Villa and Arsenal with a victory over bottom club Derby.

Gareth Southgate, however, has urged his players to keep their focus as they have difficult fixtures against Manchester United and Tottenham in the next two weeks.

Southgate will not want to be sucked back into the scrap for survival but he will be without suspended duo Mido and Fabio Rochemback for the trip to London.

Robert Huth is also doubtful with the persistent foot injury that kept him out of the clash with Derby.

Record signing Afonso Alves could feature after overcoming a hamstring problem, but he may have to settle for a place on the bench behind Tuncay Sanli and Jeremie Aliadiere.

Luke Young and Lee Cattermole have been undergoing treatment for hip and hamstring problems respectively, but Southgate will hope both are available.