06/05/2011 10:13, Report by Joe Dyer, Betfair

Betting: Chelsea

Odds correct at time of writing. For latest Betfair prices, see www.manutd.com/bet .
There’s never a dull moment for Manchester United fans. No sooner have Schalke been dispatched to set up a Champions League final with Barcelona at Wembley than Chelsea arrive in town for a likely winner-takes-all Premier League showdown.
The good news for the Old Trafford faithful is that the Betfair market suggests that another home victory is the likeliest result on Sunday afternoon with the Reds available to back at 2.4 (7-5). Chelsea are 3.35 (a little over 9-4) to win while the draw is a 3.4 (12-5) chance.
This fixture has turned into one of English football’s fiercest rivalries in recent years with the Roman Abramovich-era Blues more than capable of holding their own against United. Last year brought a league double for Chelsea while they already have one victory in the bag this year. They also possess the hottest form in the Premier League with wins in their last five games.  It will not be easy for United.
However, alongside the season-opening Community Shield win, the Reds also boast that priceless pair of morale-boosting defeats of Chelsea in the Champions League.
When it came to the crunch against their bitter rivals this season, United got the job done.
Nevertheless, while the odds-against on a home win is tempting, the draw appeals more this time. While either side is capable of getting a lead the other is equally adept at striking back and a 0-0 is a distinct possibility (it’s the third favourite in the correct score market). A draw would suit United of course and Sir Alex’s men are more than capable of playing for that result. Backing 1-1 at 7.4 (13-2) and 0-0 at 9.6 (17-2) is one way to squeeze a bigger price out of the stalemate, should the straightforward 3.4 on the draw not seem big enough.
With the Reds ahead by three points in the league the onus will be on Chelsea to attack. Don’t expect the Blues to go all-out from the off, however. This is more likely to be a closely-fought tactical affair rather than 90minutes of end-to-end attacking. It will be full-blooded stuff though, and with so much at stake it’s not hard to picture a red card at some point in proceedings. Back a red card at 3.4 (12-5).  
Expect blood and thunder on Sunday and possibly a twist and turn or two in the title race, but when the 90 minutes is up, expect United to still hold the advantage at the top of the table.