Premier League preview: Chelsea v Manchester United

League leaders Chelsea host Manchester United on Sunday in a clash that could have a major bearing on the outcome of the title race.

Chelsea have won seven of their opening eight matches to establish themselves as the team to beat in the English Premier League, despite their shaky form in the Champions League.

The European champions went down 2-1 to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, while United recorded their third victory from three group games after beating Braga 3-2.

But Chelsea remained buoyed by their best start to a Premier League campaign, with 22 points and impressive wins over Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle United.

United, second on 18 points, remain hot on Chelsea’s heels, having scored 21 goals with the likes of Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck proving a formidable force up front.

Adding to that group is Javier Hernandez, who netted a brace against Braga and has created a selection headache for manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

“The boy is improving all the time,” Ferguson told reporters.

“He is fantastic in training and he’s always practising.

“His goal ratio for us is fantastic. For his second goal he bends around the back of the defender. He’s given me a problem, but that’s a good thing.”

Chelsea, who have benefitted greatly from the form of attacking midfielders Eden Hazard, Oscar and Juan Mata, could be without experienced duo John Terry and Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.

Terry is serving a suspension for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, while Lampard remains in doubt after limping off in Donetsk with a calf injury.

United meanwhile are without defenders Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones through injury, although veteran Rio Ferdinand is expected to return to the backline after being rested against Braga.