Source: Daily_Mail
Sir Alex Ferguson set for Chelsea as Manchester United boss targets record
ShareSir Alex Ferguson is relishing Sunday's Barclays Premier League showdown with Chelsea as Manchester United go in search of a record 19th top-flight title. [LNB]Should United triumph over Carlo Ancelotti's men, they would still require a point from their final two games against Blackburn and Blackpool to achieve their objective. [LNB]But compared to beating a side that has claimed 25 points from their last 27, Ferguson regards that as a minor inconvenience, which is why he made eight changes to his starting line-up for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final decider with Schalke. [LNB] Up for the battle: Fergie is relishing Sunday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea at Old Trafford [LNB]'Everyone is aware of the magnitude of Sunday's game,' said Ferguson. 'If we win, we should win the league. [LNB]'It is a game we are looking forward to. Last Sunday's result (at Arsenal) has certainly brought us an awareness of how important this week's game is. [LNB]'It is one of the reasons why I picked the team I did on Wednesday. I wanted to give us a real chance. 'We will have a fresh team on Sunday and that makes a difference at this time of the season. It should be a fantastic game.[LNB]'Our home record is probably the best in Europe,' Ferguson said. 'It is the reason we are there. Some of the performances at home this seasonhave been absolutely terrific. Hopefully it will get us the result we want on Sunday because this is a big game.'[LNB]Look Roo's back: The United striker will start against Chelsea despite sitting out the Schalke clash [LNB]Ferguson could hardly have expected to be in this situation at half-time at Stamford Bridge at the beginning of March.[LNB]Ahead thanks to Wayne Rooney's impressive strike, United looked set to extend their advantage over the Blues to 18 points.[LNB]Instead, a couple of debatable decisions from referee Martin Atkinsonassisted Chelsea in their recovery, Ancelotti's side eventually claiming a 2-1 win that has triggered a stunning return to form.[LNB]'That result was the change for them,' added Ferguson, whose brutal assessment of Atkinson's performance brought him a five-match touchline ban.[LNB]'We all know the circumstances of that game and I don't need to get into that. But the outcome gave them a lift. They were out of the game and they had won it.'[LNB]As Chelsea's roll gathered momentum, United continued to struggle away from Old Trafford.[LNB] Still in the hunt: Salomon Kalou (left) scores the winner against Spurs to keep Chelsea on United's heels[LNB]They lost at Liverpool, dropped points at Newcastle and then lost to Arsenal last Sunday.[LNB]'Us losing to Arsenal has opened the door for them,' Ferguson added. 'But we always said it is a very difficult league.[LNB]'The Premier League is hard to win. We know because we have been involved in the championship races for 19 years.'[LNB] Ferguson has confirmed Wayne Rooney will be fit to play after resting a minor hamstring complaint in midweek. [LNB]However, midfielder Darren Fletcher is not going to start, even though he returned from a two-month absence with a virus by making a 20-minute substitute appearance in midweek.[LNB] Instead, Ferguson is looking towards the Champions League final against Barcelona on May 28 as Fletcher's long-term goal. [LNB]'Wednesday was a step forward but that 20 minutes was just to give him a boost really because the boy has a bit to do yet,' said Ferguson. [LNB] Welcome back: Fletcher came off the bench in the semi-final win over Schalke after a two-month absence [LNB]'He has almost has three weeks to the final and that is his target. If he does reach it, it would be a great boost to us. As we all know he is a big game player. [LNB]'He won't start on Sunday but his training will be stepped up in terms of giving him the sharpness he needs. [LNB]'We have Blackburn and Blackpool in the Premier League and also Gary Neville's testimonial so there is some game time there that could help him to reach his target.'[LNB][LNB] United have the mental edge over Chelsea, claims Nani ahead of title showdown Friday Five: Classic clashes between Ferguson and Ancelotti This time it's for real! Chelsea and Man United gear up for title deciderMan United fans 'disgusted' at huge cost of Champions League final tickets Explore more:People: Wayne Rooney, Alex Ferguson, Darren Fletcher, Gary Neville, Carlo Ancelotti, Martin Atkinson Places: Barcelona, Newcastle, Liverpool, Europe
