Manchester United's Patrice Evra claims Chelsea scalp more important than Liverpool

06 October 2009 08:49
Sir Alex Ferguson's side will make both away trips within a fortnight of each other at the end of this month, and despite the Scot regarding Rafael Benitez's side as United's biggest rivals, Evra believes that Liverpool's 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge last weekend makes Chelsea the team to beat. "Chelsea away is the game I always want to win more than any other," the Frenchman told the Sun. "If we win there it sends out a message to all the top four. "There are other important games, such as we need to do well against Liverpool after losing 4-1 at home to them last season. But if you ask me to choose one game - I'll pick Chelsea away." Evra has a colourful history when it comes to United and Chelsea meeting. In 2008 he was fined £15,000 and banned for four matches after he was caught up in an altercation with ground staff at Stamford Bridge and was also involved in a confrontation with Michael Ballack at this summer's Community Shield. The 28-year-old has also voiced his concerns about United's poor form in defence this season. It took a deflected shot of Anton Ferdinand for United to salvage a point against Sunderland at the weekend, and Evra is worried by the lack of clean sheets his club have managed to record. "I am worried that we are not keeping clean sheets," he said. "I am not happy about it because, if you want to win the league, you have to keep clean sheets. Last year we only conceded 21 goals. We can't concede more than that this season." United have so far conceded eight goals in as many games and managed four clean sheets but with first choice goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar expected to return in a fortnight, United's backline is likely to strengthen.

Source: Telegraph