“On fire Drogba can make the difference”

Chelsea hosts their title rivals Manchester United on Sunday. Florent Malouda believes other teams should fear his teammate Didier Drogba.

Rampaging attacker Drogba scored twice on his return to the Champions League at Atletico Madrid. French international Malouda thinks Drogba’s recent form could make the difference against Manchester United.

Malouda, who faced Drogba in French football, said the strong centre forward is one of the leaders of the Premier League’s top side.

“I knew him from Guingamp and he has always been a leader, always speaking in the dressing room and bringing the team behind him.”

“With John Terry and Frank Lampard he is one of our world-class players and when he is like this every team has to fear him.”

Drogba often looked disinterested under Brazilian boss Luiz Felipe Scolari last season while suffering from a series of injuries. However, Malouda isn’t surprised by the revival of his Ivorian teammate.

“He has not changed, the fact he had a good pre-season without injuries can explain it, he is really happy and enjoying his form at the moment,” said the 29-year-old.

“He always believed in himself, even in the second division in France he was dreaming about it and preparing himself. Even at this level he is working harder and harder,” Malouda continued.

Malouda expects to see an attacking Chelsea at their own Stamford Bridge. The French international hopes an on fire Drogba will sink Man United.

“We have no choice, we have to win because we are two points in front and we want to stay in front. It’s going to be a big, big, big game and we have to play at our best level in front of our fans,” he insisted.

“We have a home record and we’re trying to keep it. Before the international break it would be a good result to win at home. To be five points clear would be a good thing for us, we have never been five in front for a long time.”