Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
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Lampard: United will miss Ron

21 Aug 2009 - 09:35:16

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Frank Lampard believes Chelsea have the edge over Manchester United this season because they have not lost any star players.

England midfielder Lampard believes United's decision to sell World and European player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid has weakened them this season.

He also believes that Chelsea could be the main beneficiaries when it comes to the Premier League title race as their squad was not significantly weakened by summer departures.

"It is very difficult to replace Ronaldo," he said.

"I saw Alex Ferguson say that himself and I don't think he will look to replace him. He will look to make the team strong as a whole by not having him. That is the only thing they can do.

"The amount of times I flicked on the telly and saw Ronaldo had scored and they had won one or two-nil. (Barcelona's Lionel) Messi is probably the only player you could replace Ronaldo with.

"That is probably one of our big pluses this year - we didn't lose our big players."

Chelsea have won their opening two games of the new season while United slipped up at Burnley in midweek and Lampard believes his side already has an edge in the title race.

He added: "We have now got a little bit of a lead over them and Liverpool.

"It is nice to get your noses in front."