Victory vital for Chelsea despite fading title bid

A game with United at Stamford Bridge is perennially billed as a title decider but it appears all Ancelotti’s men can achieve on that front tonight is to dent their opponents’ bid to depose them as champions.

Chelsea go into the game a massive 15 points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, whose only realistic challengers now look like second-placed Arsenal.

But with the Blues needing victory to climb back above Tottenham into fourth place, manager Ancelotti believes there is still plenty riding on the outcome.

“It’s a very important game for them, for us, for the future of Manchester United and the future of Chelsea,” said Ancelotti, whose side put a three-match winless run behind them last week by beating FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

“We are excited to play this game. We arrive at it at a good moment. We have confidence to do our best and win it. It won’t be easy.

“United have been, until now, the best team in the Premier League. For us, it’s important to win, not just for the result but to improve our confidence after the victory at Copenhagen, where we played very well.”

Captain John Terry claimed after that win that Chelsea could yet benefit from a United meltdown.

But Ancelotti said: “United can decide their own destiny.

“Our aim is different at this moment. Our aim is still to compete with them.

“We are not mathematically out so we have to keep believing.

“But we need also to be honest, it would be difficult for us to close the gap.

“We want to arrive in the top four – this is our aim.”

Wayne Rooney has been cleared to play after football’s complex disciplinary rules saw the striker avoid further sanction for elbowing Wigan’s James McCarthy at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Once referee Mark Clattenburg awarded a free-kick for the incident, it was always going to be long odds against additional sanctions being applied.

Ancelotti has reacted with commendable restraint, knowing Rooney could well end the Blues’ minor remaining title hopes at Stamford Bridge.

“I think so,” said the Italian when asked whether it was fair that Rooney escaped further punishment.

“If this is the rules and the FA decide this, I am happy to play against Rooney.”

[email protected]*