Sir Alex refuses to be haunted by past Chelsea clashes

Ferguson refuses to read too much into Man U's six-year victory drought at Stamford Bridge; prefers to stress on his side's ability to beat Chelsea

Ferguson refuses to read too much into Man U's six-year victory drought at Stamford Bridge; prefers to stress on his side's ability to beat Chelsea

Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect the Premier League title race to take shape until after the next international break.

Michael Owen (right) and Wayne Rooney will have to come good if Manchester United have to clinch their first win in seven years at Stamford Bridge today. pic/getty images

Ferguson's Manchester United side head to Chelsea on Sunday knowing their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2002 will allow them to jump back to the top of the table. It would put them in prime position for the resumption of domestic hostilities on November 21, after which, FA Cup weekends apart, battle will take place on a regular basis until a conclusion is reached on May 9.

"The Premier League does not settle until all the internationals are over," he said.

"It is better just to look at the present team and what they are capable of. We are capable of winning the game, there is no doubt about that.

"It is a strange situation because we used to have a terrific record down there up until a few years ago. But we have let it slip and we have to get our act together."

A defeat would leave United five points adrift of Carlo Ancelotti's men and playing the old game of catch-up, which they used to be so good at, only to come unstuck when Jose Mourinho mastered the art of maintaining momentum after a flying start.

Once one of United's favoured grounds, Stamford Bridge has turned into a bit of a hellhole in recent years.

Those six long years since their last triumph have included a couple of draws. But largely the Red Devils have found it ultra difficult against a squad that has remained basically the same.

Little wonder Ferguson is not anxious to dwell on the matter. "There is no point looking back six years ago," he said.

"It is not going to be easy for either team. At moments it will be intense and feisty but there are so many good players on the pitch."

The scoreline of man united's last clash against chelsea at stamford bridge - 1-1