John Terry of Chelsea pats the Chelsea badgeon his shirt after the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 5, 2012. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Chelsea and Manchester United are both dealing with a number of fitness and suspension issues heading into their massive Premier League clash on Sunday.
Manchester United and Chelsea are both in serious need of wins on Sunday afternoon, but for different reasons. For the first time since 2004, the two teams are not involved in the same race at this point in the season. Chelsea would like to hold onto a top-four spot and perhaps move up to third place, while United are competing for the Premier League title.
David De Gea has just recovered from an injury, and should be United's starting goalkeeper. Nemanja Vidic is still out with a long-term injury and Phil Jones is out as well, so two of Rio Ferdinand, Johnny Evans and Chris Smalling will be selected in the middle. Darren Fletcher is out and Anderson is doubtful, so Paul Scholes could get another start.
Chelsea is without Africa Cup of Nations absentees Didier Drogba and Solomon Kalou. With Drogba out, Fernando Torres is an automatic starter at center forward. Chelsea will also be without the suspended Ashley Cole and will have to start Ryan Bertrand at left back. John Terry, John Obi Mikel and Ramires are out for sure with injuries, while Frank Lampard will be a game-time decision.
For more on the two teams, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History and Manchester United blog The Busby Babe.
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