Chelsea are in perfect form to face Man United, says Ancelotti
Chelsea are in perfect form to face Man United, says Ancelotti
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has warned Manchester United that his side are in the mood to deliver a substantial blow to the champions' bid to retain the Premier League title.
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Chelsea players celebrate their first goal scored by Didier Drogba during their Champions League Group D match against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on November 3. PIC/GETTY IMAGES |
The Blues can move five points clear of United with victory at Stamford Bridge tomorrow and Ancelotti believes the leaders' impressive recent form and formidable home record provides the perfect foundation to claim a crucial win.
Ancelotti's team have won all eight of their home matches under the Italian and haven't conceded a goal in front of their own fans since the opening day of the season when Stephen Hunt struck for Hull.
They are also unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions and have scored 19 goals in the process.
"We are happy to play this game at this moment. I think we are doing very well, we are in good condition and we have a very good mental attitude at this moment," Ancelotti said.
"It's a very important game. We will play against the second team in the Premiership, but I think that it's just a game that carries three points like the other games. It's important because we play against a fantastic team, but we know very well that it will be a very difficult match but also a very interesting match. Psychologically, it will not mean more."
Ancelotti can also take heart from United's slightly unconvincing form so far this season. Their defence has been a particular cause of concern for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who will be without England centre-back Rio Ferdinand on Sunday due to a back injury.
The former AC Milan coach knows that even a team as strong as United has weaknesses that can be exploited.
"I think Manchester United have a very good team. Like us, they are doing very well because they have qualified in the Champions League and have done very well in the Premiership. But every team is vulnerable. There is not a team that is invincible," he said.
With 12 goals in his last 13 games, Didier Drogba will be key to Chelsea's hopes. Ancelotti is well aware that the Ivory Coast striker is capable of terrorising any defence, but he is keen to focus on the need for the rest of the team to support their talismanic targetman. "He's doing very well for the team," Ancelotti said. "At this moment, ll the squad are in good condition and doing very well."
