Ferdinand: Confident

If we win against Chelsea we can go on from strength to strength.

Rio Ferdinand
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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes victory over Chelsea on Sunday could kick-start his side's season.

The defending Premier League champions lost at North West rivals Liverpool last weekend and currently sit 14th in the table.

And ahead of a weekend trip to Stamford Bridge, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 and HD 1, Ferdinand is desperate for three points.

Chelsea, who have not lost at home in 84 games, are considered the greatest threat to United's title and Ferdinand is well aware of the significance of the clash in West London.

"This game is more imperative because of the way we have started the season," he said.

Unbelievable

"Nothing is handed out now but you need to keep yourself within touching distance of the top teams.

"We have had situations before where we have gone on unbelievable runs and still not won the league, so we don't want to get ourselves into that position where it is too hard.

"I really do think if we win this game we can go on from strength to strength.

"We will have beaten a side who is likely to be fighting for the title with us. We can use that as a catalyst for the season."

Ferdinand, though, is not looking to make excuses about a difficult fixture list, which has seen United play only one of their first four games at Old Trafford following Uefa Super Cup commitments.

Cry

"The fixture list has not done us any favours but you cannot cry about stuff like that," added Ferdinand.

"We knew what the situation was before the season started and we have to get on with it the best way possible.

"We have not done as well as we would have liked so far but it is a long season.

"We know what he is capable of and everyone else does as well."