Chelsea v Man United preview

Chelsea and Manchester United might have preferred to meet each other later in the season.

Chelsea and Manchester United might have preferred to meet each other later in the season but expect fireworks at Stamford Bridge in the live Super Sunday game and a real pointer as to how their campaigns will pan out.

Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson famously locked horns in the UEFA Champions League last term and there can be no doubt that the polished Portuguese coach came out on top.

However, Ferguson will have his troops fired up to avoid the fate they suffered in West London last term, a defeat courtesy of Frank Lampard's penalty, with a 2-1 win at Dinamo Bucharest boosting any ailing confidence for the injury-hit Red Devils.

Mourinho has a wealth of options to consider and could probably field two teams who would acquit themselves well against the FA Cup winners. The shrewd former Porto boss could even spring a surprise or two in his team selection.

Didier Drogba seems certain to spearhead the attack, probably with Eidur Gudjohnsen playing just behind him, with the dangerous Damien Duff possibly handed a free rein to terrorise the United defence.

Alexei Smertin, back from a loan spell at Portsmouth, is pushing for inclusion but much could depend upon Arjen Robben's fitness, while Petr Cech is confident he will get the nod ahead of Carlo Cudicini in goal.

John Terry will captain The Blues after taking over from the departed Marcel Desailly, with William Gallas his likely partner, despite the big-money arrival of Ricardo Carvalho - who should play a more prominent role as the season develops.

United have a host of injury problems to contend with but Ferguson has dismissed tabloid reports that Louis Saha is out until Christmas with a knee ligament injury.

"Louis Saha has not had an operation," countered the Scot. "And has been training terrifically for the last week and doing everything apart from kicking a ball."

Although no fresh injuries were sustained during the win in Bucharest, Darren Fletcher, who started the UEFA Champions League qualifier on the right of midfield, is suspended after being sent off against Aston Villa on the final day of last season.

Rio Ferdinand, of course, is also banned while both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze are on Olympic duty. Star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Wes Brown, Kleberson and Saha are out injured.

Ferguson will field Alan Smith on his own in attack, with Paul Scholes operating in an advanced midfield role, and will again consider the slightly puzzling decision to field Roy Keane at centre back with defender John O'Shea fortifying the midfield.

Consequently, an element of extra flair could be provided by Liam Miller in the wake of his positive contribution in Romania. The former Celtic midfielder would have been an outside bet to start the Premiership opener after failing to feature in a single pre-season match but now looks a strong contender for the right midfield role.

Skysports.com Predicted Score: 2-0.
The Blues should be too strong for an injury-hit United, who will still not want to go down without a fight.

Chelsea evens Draw 9/4 Man Utd 9/4 - Click here for full odds with Sky Bet