The playmaker is back and looking sharp. Having returned from a serious knee injury, Cole has steadily worked his way back to full fitness and is now looking a vital weapon in Carlo Ancelotti's armoury. Cole's position at the top of the diamond as the link-up man has worked well to date, with his creative instincts allowed to flourish. Furthermore, Cole's involvement has paved the way for a return to goalscoring form for team-mate Frank Lampard. United will need to restrict the space given to Cole in a bid to nullify his nimble footedness and eye for a killer pass.

Much of the attention on Sunday will of course surround the quality of Didier Drogba, who has scored nine goals in as many games. But ignore Anelka at your peril. The Frenchman has five goals to his name this campaign and his striking partnership with Drogba is rightly considered one of the most deadly in Europe. As United no doubt look to apply pressure on Drogba, space could open up for Anelka as he looks to probe with his clever off-the-ball runs. The attacker can drop deep while he will also be eager to play off his marker's shoulder in a bid to break the offside trap.

Cole's return from a knee problem is a timely boost for Chelsea. The defender made his comeback during midweek and is poised to make his first league start since the middle of October. The England international has had an impressive season to date and will be eager to continue his form. Defensively he will need to be on his toes, with Antonio Valencia likely to be his opposition down the flank. Cole will also look to support Chelsea in attack. He has scored twice already this term - not a bad return for a left-back - and would love nothing more than to add to that tally on Sunday.

After conceding three goals in the UEFA Champions League during midweek, it would appear United could have done with the colossus that is Vidic. Rio Ferdinand is set to miss out but Vidic is poised to return at Chelsea after recently missing out with injury. Vidic's ability in the air will be given a stringent test when he goes head-to-head with the power of Didier Drogba while the Serbian must demonstrate sound positioning if he is to avoid being punished by the pace of Chelsea's frontline. If Vidic is on top of his game then the visitors stand a very good chance of a positive result.

It goes without saying that Rooney is a vital member of United's team and is likely to be integral in determining whether they emerge victorious against Chelsea. The England striker should be relatively fresh having played just over half an hour during midweek, and will be eager to add to his nine goals already scored this season. Spearheading United's attack, Rooney has become more and more of a dangerous asset in front of goal. His heading has improved while his finishing remains deadly. Rooney will doubtless put in a tireless display that he will be hopeful will give Chelsea's defenders nightmares.

The Scotland international is set to play through the pain barrier at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Fletcher is to delay ankle surgery until the summer and therefore will need a pain-killing injection if he is to feature versus Chelsea. It is no secret that Sir Alex Ferguson considers Fletcher a big-game player, with the midfielder hugely consistent and likely to be key for the Red Devils in a fierce midfield battle. The box-to-box player will have a job on his hands keeping the likes of Joe Cole and Lampard quiet, while he will also look to support United's frontline in attack.