Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Rafael Benitez

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

Makelele's backing Reds

02 Mar 2007 - 10:52:22

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Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele is confident that Liverpool can beat Manchester United at Anfield this weekend and open up the Premiership title race.

United can increase their lead over Jose Mourinho's side to 12 points with victory on Merseyside but defeat could allow Chelsea to cut the deficit to only six points with a game in hand if they are able to beat Portsmouth later on Saturday.

"This Saturday I am a fan of Liverpool," admitted Makelele. "For Chelsea this is the key match in the race with Manchester United for the title.

"If United fail at Anfield the league would be open for us.

"I am convinced that Chelsea will win all their matches in the Premiership until the end of the season and this pressure we can apply on Manchester United will be decisive.

"Liverpool are one of the clubs that are able to beat Manchester United. Liverpool are playing now at a great level and this is our hope.

"If United win at Liverpool the situation for Chelsea will be very complicated.

"United are only the leaders because of our errors over Christmas. But we can put that right."