United never saw us coming grins Chelsea boss
Published 23:01 06/05/11 By Martin Lipton and David McDonnell
Carlo Ancelotti last night claimed Chelsea can catch Manchester United cold in tomorrow's title showdown.
Ancelotti takes his Chelsea side to Old Trafford knowing a repeat of last season's win there would put the Blues back on top of the table with just two games to go.
"Maybe even only two or three weeks ago they didn't think that in this game they'd need to fight so much," he said. "I think that, mentally, we can have an advantage."
A Chelsea win would wipe out the United lead that stood at a massive 15 points two months ago and represent the biggest comeback in Premier League history.
"Obviously, Manchester United hoped they wouldn't have to play this kind of game against us," said Ancelotti.
"Now we are fighting for the title. Even if we are able to win, nothing is decided. If they win, they will win the title.
"But nobody thought, two months ago, that we'd be in this position. If they'd had more of an advantage, it could have been an easy game against us - they could have afforded to lose.
"But now they have to fight, again, to win the title. Maybe even only two or three weeks ago they didn't think that in this game they'd need to fight so much.
"Mentally, for this reason, we can have an advantage."
United have not lost at home in the 30 games, since Chelsea took charge of last season's title race with a 2-1 victory 13 months ago.
Ancelotti, who's set to omit £50million Fernando Torres and play Didier Drogba as his spearhead, added: "I know they have a fantastic record at home this season - but it's time for us to win.
"The turning point was against Arsenal last Sunday. If Arsenal didn't win that game, it would be a different atmosphere around our game. The turning point was Arsenal - and our victory against Tottenham.
"Now, for us, this is like a final. We are not happy because we wanted to play the final of the Champions League. But we have to be happy to play this different kind of final.
"If we are able to win at United, then goal difference is important. We have very difficult games against Newcastle and Everton, so nothing is decided.
"But it would be important to be top of the table. It would be after a long time, and a very good step for us."
United boss Alex Ferguson fears a refereeing blunder could decide the destiny of the league title.
The last three Premier League games between United and Chelsea have been marred by contentious decisions and Fergie is fearful of another at Old Trafford.
"That's definitely our big fear, to be honest with you," said Ferguson. "Other than that, we have the players to do it all right.
"Howard Webb is definitely the best referee in the country, there's no doubt about that. We're getting the best referee and we hope it's our turn for a little bit of luck."
The Premier League are so keen to avoid controversy they have enlisted Webb and assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mularkey, considered the best refereeing team in the country, to officiate.
The trio took charge of last year's World Cup final and Champions League final and will be under fresh scrutiny tomorrow with the eyes of the football world on Old Trafford.
Ferguson had already increased the pressure on Webb by claiming Chelsea benefited from "great decisions" in their 2-1 victory over Tottenham last weekend.
Frank Lampard was awarded a goal, despite the ball not fully crossing the line, while Salomon Kalou scored the winner from an offside position.
Fergie hinted at a refereeing conspiracy after watching the Blues benefit from those decisions.
"It gives Chelsea a major chance now," said the United boss. "They got great decisions. We never seem to get these kind of decisions. They seem to be getting them.
"They got one to win the league at Old Trafford last season, so that's a worry. We go into these kind of games worrying about these kind of things."
Ferguson was handed a five-match touchline ban after complaining about ref Martin Atkinson's performance as his side lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in March.
Last season, when Chelsea effectively won the title at Old Trafford, TV replays proved Drogba's vital goal was offside.
And at Stamford Bridge earlier that season, Chelsea won 1-0 through a late John Terry goal which Ferguson claimed should not have stood.
Despite seeing a 15-point lead over Chelsea cut down to just three in the space of eight weeks, Ferguson has faith in his players to clinch the club's record 19th title.
"I don't know how many points we were in front of Chelsea at any given time," he said. "But it doesn't matter. Where we are today is exactly where we are.
"It doesn't matter what happened last Sunday, four Sundays ago, four months ago or even four years ago, we are where we are.
"We have three games left, we're three points ahead, we have the same goal difference as Chelsea, we're playing at home, two home games and one away. That's where are. Nothing can change that.
"And we won't be going for a draw. Everyone knows that. Chelsea know that. Our fans know that. Everyone sitting in this room knows that. So there's no point in discussing draws."
Wayne Rooney has recovered from a tight hamstring and will start, with Ferguson expected to make EIGHT changes from the side that beat Schalke in midweek to reach the Champions League final.
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