Chelsea may be top of the league, but if you believe the naysayers suggestions, that's only because they've had an easier run of games than the other teams competing for the title. On Sunday, when the Blues host Manchester United, that will change. The Red Devils may not have won at Stamford Bridge since 2002, but they will still provide difficult opposition.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United: Preview and TV schedule
Chelsea face their toughest test of the season so far when they host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues will also begin their first of three games without John Terry, with David Luiz partnering Gary Cahill in defence, while Eden Hazard will get a chance to show Manchester United what they missed when they failed to sign him in the summer.
The match will doubtlessly be hyped up due to the situation between Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, but with only one set to play - and even that not a certainty - any pre-match controversy should quickly give way to an entertaining and important clash between two giants. A victory for Chelsea will firmly establish them as early-season favourites for the title, while a win for United would see them gain some significant ground.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Frank Lampard (calf), John Terry (suspension)
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Shinji Kagawa (knee), Phil Jones (knee), Anders Lindegaard (thumb) Doubtful: Chris Smalling (metatarsal)
John Terry serves the first game of his three-match ban for racism, while Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed that Frank Lampard will face 2 weeks on the sidelines after picking up an injury sgainst Shakhtar Donetsk.
Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa faces four weeks out with a knee injury, while Chris Smalling is back in full training but unlikely to feature.
Match date/time: 4 p.m. local, 11 a.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: FOX Soccer (English U.S.), FOX Deportes (Spanish U.S.), Sky Sports 1/HD, Sky Sports 3D (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
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