Premier League: Man Utd v Chelsea Preview

Sunday, 18 September

Manchester United

Old Trafford

Kick-off: 1600 BST

Last season: Manchester United 2 1 Chelsea

Andre Villas-Boas faces his first real test as Chelsea manager when he takes his side to Old Trafford on Sunday to face an in-form Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have won their last three matches with Chelsea in all competitions, with Sunday's game likely to provide a clue as to the destination of this season's title.

Villas-Boas's side have been quietly impressive during the opening weeks off the season. After the goalless draw at Stoke on the opening day the Blues have recorded three straight wins in the Premier League and opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Didier Drogba is likely to miss Sunday's game as he continues his recovery from a serious head injury, with long-term absentee Michael Essien also ruled out.

Defender David Luiz is expected to retain his place alongside John Terry, with midfielder Ramires available after a European suspension.

Sir Alex Ferguson has no new injury concerns following the mid-week Champions League draw with Benfica.

Nemanja Vidic (calf), Tom Cleverly (foot) and Rafael (shoulder) are all still side-lined, while Danny Welbeck (hamstring) is yet to recover full fitness.

Ferguson is likely to revert to his first XI after fielding a weakened side against Benfica. David de Gea is expected to replace Anders Lindegaard in goal, despite the latter's impressive display in Portugal.

Javier Hernandez, Ashley Young, Nani and Anderson are also set to return, with Rio Ferdinand likely to return from injury.

Prediction: Man Utd 2 0 Chelsea

Man Utd possible XI: De Gea; Smalling, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Young; Rooney, Hernandez.

Chelsea probable XI: Cech; Cole, Terry, Ivanovic, Bosingwa; Lampard, Meireles, Ramires; Mata, Torres, Anelka.