Manchester United have the chance to realistically end Chelsea's title hopes in the lunch time kick off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (April 26th), but Sir Alex Ferguson believes United are at a disadvantage, with less recovery time than the Blues from the teams' mid-week Champions League exploits. The Red Devils boss also highlighted the extra miles his team travelled after Wednesday's trip to Barcelona compared to Chelsea's cruise up the M1 to Liverpool.

United, who are 9/5 to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League to an insurmountable six points, are hoping to welcome defensive rock Nemanja Vidic back to the starting line-up after the Serbian missed the game in Spain with a stomach infection. While Chelsea, 11/8 to blow the title race wide open, will be without Frank Lampard, who is grieving the death of his mother. Michael Essien is expected to start after returning from a European suspension served on Tuesday (April 22nd).

Both clubs were involved in low scoring games during the week and this Premier League dual may be no different. A scoreless result is priced at 13/2, with Chelsea 7/1 to nick a one goal win. United are 7/1 to register their first league win away to the west London side since April 2002 with a 1-0 victory.

However, United's high-scoring forward Cristiano Ronaldo, whose command of English has improved at almost the same rate as his overall game over the past two years, signalled his team's intention of going to Stamford Bridge in a positive mindset.

The Portuguese practitioner, 5/1 favourite to net first, commented: "It will be a tough game but we have a great chance as the team is very confident. We do not want to drop any points at Chelsea, so it is important we go for the victory."

Elsewhere in the division, the scramble to escape the drop continues, with Reading, Birmingham and Bolton all desperate to move clear of the third relegation spot.

Birmingham (6/4) have arguably the toughest fixture of the three threatened sides, when fourth place Liverpool (7/5) come to town. The midlands side have notched a paltry point in the last possible nine but have comforting memories of a 2-0 victory in the corresponding fixture last year, with Walter 'the Rifle' Pandiani - now playing in Spain - and Julian Gray on the scoresheet. The Blues are 8/1 to repeat the feat.

Reading (11/5) do battle with Wigan (evens) at the JJB, with the Lancashire side all but safe following a pair of point-taking results since the imperative 2-0 win over Birmingham. Emile Heskey is just two goals short of a league ton and is 5/1 to score first.

Bolton (13/5) face a tricky away tie at Tottenham (4/5), who have entered the run in of an erratic season by drawing their last three games 1-1. The same result against their guests at the weekend can be backed at 11/2.

Will Birmingham drag themselves out of the drop zone by shocking continental contenders Liverpool?