Two Premier League giants go head-to-head as Chelsea host Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie.
Blues entertain Red Devils with last four place on the line
Two Premier League giants go head-to-head on Wednesday night as Chelsea host Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie.
The Red Devils have the upper hand in the title race on Carlo Ancelotti's men, although over two legs the Blues can keep alive their quest to become European champions with an aggregate success.
The winners will face either Schalke or holders Inter Milan in the semis, however, the Bundesliga outfit already have a foothold in the last four following a crushing 5-2 win at Giuseppe Meazza on Tuesday.
The teams competed in the 2008 final in Moscow and on that occasion United came out on top after getting the better of Chelsea 6-5 in the penalty shoot-out after the scores were level at 1-1 after extra time.
John Terry had the chance to win the trophy for Chelsea in the shoot-out, but he slipped and only hit the post, allowing Ryan Giggs to put Ferguson's troops ahead with Nicolas Anelka then missing the crucial spot-kick.
The Red Devils do not have the best of recent records at Stamford Bridge with their last win in West London coming a surprising nine years ago following a 3-0 success in April 2002.
United have failed to win any of their last 10 visits to the Bridge and suffered a controversial 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in Premier League action as recently as last month.
Blues news
Ancelotti must decide whether to recall record signing Fernando Torres after he was only used as a substitute in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Stoke City.
Didier Drogba and Anelka started against Tony Pulis' side and Ivory Coast ace Drogba scored a crucial equaliser to ensure they avoided defeat.
Italian Ancelotti will have to make at least one enforced change as January signing David Luiz is ineligible at the back, while the game comes too soon for fit-again Brazilian stopper Alex.
That means that Branislav Ivanovic should partner Terry at the heart of Chelsea's defence, with Ashley Cole lining up at left-back and Jose Bosingwa likely to get the nod over Paolo Ferreira on the right.
Frank Lampard will make his 500th appearance for the club in midfield and he should link up alongside Michael Essien, Ramires and Florent Malouda.
United news
Wayne Rooney is certain to lead the line again for the visitors and he is a man bang in form following his blistering hat-trick in Saturday's thrilling comeback against West Ham.
Ferguson has a huge decision to make at the heart of United's defence with Rio Ferdinand in contention to break up the Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling combination.
Ferdinand has barely featured for the past two months due to injury and the Scottish tactician needs to decide whether to go with experience or stick with the impressive Smalling.
Nani was utilised off the bench at Upton Park and he is sure to start at Stamford Bridge, while defender Rafael is available after recovering from a hamstring strain and Jonny Evans is available despite his three-match domestic suspension.
