Battle of Bridge - Chelsea v United

United travel to Chelsea as underdogs .Chelsea go into the clash in arguably their finest form of the season. They haven't conceded a goal in Bridge since the opening day of the season and for the first time they are scoring goals freely.

The United back four is shaky and there is too much defensive errors .Even with the first-choice pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic the champions have still only kept one clean-sheet in their past four league games, while the team's recent record against fellow top four sides will also give fans cause for concern.

The place where United really struggle now against the other teams of big four is midfield . They are devoid of a play maker in the central of the park . Arsenal almost made them pay for it and two weeks back Mascherano and Lucas ran riots through the midfield .

United will hope to welcome back Vidic (calf), Ryan Giggs (knee) and Dimitar Berbatov for the trip but Ferdinand (calf) has been ruled out .Gary Neville sits out the match through suspension.

Chelsea duo Yury Zhirkov and John Mikel Obi are both available after recovering from injuries.The Blues' only absentee is right-back Jose Bosingwa, who may require surgery to treat his knee problem.

United into last 16

Manchester United stumbled into the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League after a lucky stoppage-time goal secured a 3-3 draw at home to CSKA Moscow.

Russian outfit CSKA appeared to be heading towards a famous win at Old Trafford after moving into a 3-1 lead early in the second half, but Paul Scholes gave United a lifeline before Antonio Valencia's wayward shot took a wicked deflection off Georgy Schennikov in the second minute of added time.

CSKA were lively from the off and, producing a much-improved performance from the 1-0 home defeat by United a fortnight ago, took the lead on 25 minutes through the impressive Alan Dzagoev's thumping finish.

United were playing in fits and starts, but drew level just four minutes after falling behind when Michael Owen's predatory instincts finally kicked in and he fired past Igor Akinfeev from close range.

But CSKA were back in front within another two minutes as Milos Krasic capitalised on the gaps in the home defence to skip past Edwin van der Sar and lift his shot into the net.

Any hope of a positive start to the second half for United quickly evaporated when CSKA scored a third goal on 47 minutes as the unmarked Vasili Berezutsky headed home a free-kick at the far post.

The Red Devils should then have had a penalty, only for Darren Fletcher to be booked for diving, while Federico Macheda headed against the post and Akinfeev produced a string of fine saves.

The famous late rally from United eventually materialised, though, as Scholes rose well to head home Gary Neville's free-kick with six minutes to go.

And the comeback was completed in stoppage-time as Valencia's deflected effort left Akinfeev with no chance to ensure United reached the last 16 with two games to spare.
Frailty

Within the opening 30 seconds Dzagoev had fired over after striding through a static United defence and only two minutes were on the clock when Deividas Semberas flashed a shot wide.

Given Sir Alex Ferguson had only just declared his faith in central defensive pairing Jonny Evans and Wes Brown to keep Chelsea out on Sunday should the respective calf injuries of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand keep them out, it was not an ideal start.

For a while it did not seem as though the frailty would matter.

Valencia justified his manager's declaration that his form has improved markedly over the past few weeks and although neither Owen nor strike partner Macheda - who was making his Champions League debut - could profit from the Ecuador star's incisiveness, it seemed only a matter of time before the hosts scored.

There was a sense of bewilderment therefore when the opening goal ended up in the home net.

Evgeni Aldonin floated a cross towards target man Tomas Necid, who chested it first time to Dzagoev, who found himself with only Evans to run at.

The young Northern Ireland star appeared to have done the right thing in shadowing Dzagoev down the channel. The Russian though had a pretty startling response, lashing a shot into the far corner from an acute angle which Van der Sar barely reacted to as it whizzed past.

Owen drilled home a typical poacher's effort in response but parity lasted two minutes as Krasic galloped into the box unchallenged, collected Necid's pass, skipped past Van der Sar and, after a neat pivot, tapped into an empty net.

If Ferguson had called for more solidity at half-time, the words fell on deaf ears as within two minutes of the restart, Dzagoev had floated a free-kick to the far post where Berezutsky nodded home.

The home cause was not helped when Fletcher was denied a certain penalty when he was chopped down by Berezutsky, the irritation only compounded when the Scot was booked for diving.

Wayne Rooney's introduction just before the hour mark offered England's most deadly striker the chance to provide baby Kai with the most appropriate arrival present as well as offering United a solution to their predicament.

He nearly managed it too, only to be denied twice by Akinfeev who made excellent follow-up saves after initially repelling Owen and Macheda's header had struck a post.

Akinfeev was beaten on 84 minutes as Scholes stole in unmarked at the near post to head home Neville's delivery from the right.

And the CSKA keeper was left helpless again in added time as Valencia's drive was heading wide before taking a heavy deflection off Schennikov.

In a frantic finale, CSKA finished the game with 10 men as Semberas was shown a second yellow card after tangling with United substitute Gabriel Obertan, who was also booked for his trouble.

United 2 - 0 Blackburn

Dimitar Berbatov put in an impressive shift for Manchester United on Saturday as he helped to inspire a 2-0 win over Blackburn.

The victory, which also saw Wayne Rooney find the target late on, keeps Sir Alex Ferguson's men on the coattails of Premier League leaders Chelsea and represents the perfect response to last weekend's setback at Liverpool.

Berbatov monopolised the better of the first-half chances, and the Bulgarian could have had a hat-trick before the interval.

He should have done better with a planted header from six yards, which found its way over the top, while the languid frontman went on to force Paul Robinson into an acrobatic stop moments later.

Berbatov thought he had forced the breakthrough five minutes before the interval following a flowing move involving Nani and Rooney, but his simple effort was ruled out for offside, and there was still time for him to lash a wild shot high into the stands when well placed.

His persistence finally paid off, though, 10 minutes into the second half when he illuminated Old Trafford with a characteristic moment of magic.

Collecting a cross-shot from Patrice Evra, in one swift movement he nudged the ball into the air before sending a twisting volley past a rooted Robinson.

Gabriel Obertan, on his Premier League debut, later spurned a glorious opportunity to add a second for the Red Devils before Rooney wrapped things up on 87 minutes when he drilled low into the bottom corner.

Nikola Kalinic appeared to have offered Rovers a lifeline in stoppage time, but his celebrations were cut short by an assistant referee's flag.
Marvellous

United must have wondered how they were still on level terms at half-time given the amount of possession they enjoyed.

As early as the third minute Nani sent a 20-yard shot whistling past the post following a marvellous crossfield pass from Wes Brown.

A mistake by Blackburn defender Chris Samba let in Antonio Valencia 10 minutes later but he failed to take advantage and scuffed a shot off target.

It was a clear opportunity and Blackburn looked nervous at the back at this stage following the mauling by Chelsea last weekend and nine straight defeats on the road.

However, the visitors responded in the 21st minute and El-Hadji Diouf got into a good position, only for John O'Shea to make a crucial interception.

United stepped up the pressure and Pascal Chimbonda did well to block a shot from Berbatov in the 29th minute after Evra played the ball in.

A minute later Berbatov nearly made the breakthrough with a downward header following a cross from Valencia.

However, goalkeeper Robinson reacted superbly and turned the Bulgarian's effort over the bar.

Blackburn responded and Samba peeled away from his marker as David Dunn delivered the corner, only to head wide of the target.

Denied

It was brief respite for the visitors as Berbatov was again denied by Robinson in the 34th minute after being set up by Rooney.

This was a difficult spell for Blackburn and Berbatov found the net after Rooney had squared the ball to him in the 40th minute, only to be ruled offside.

Then Nani misdirected his header from inside the area following a corner from Valencia as Blackburn held out until half-time.

United pushed forward in the 53rd minute after Nani won the ball off Gael Givet.

The midfielder attempted to release Rooney but the pass was hopelessly misplaced and the move broke down.

Anderson then picked out Evra, who had raced into the area, only for his touch to let him down and Robinson was able to collect.

United made the breakthrough when Berbatov showed good skill when he got on the end of a cross from Evra.

He got the better of Ryan Nelsen, twisting and turning before sending a shot beyond Robinson for his fourth goal of the season.

Dream

United boss Ferguson decided to make a change after 64 minutes, bringing on Obertan for the ineffective Nani.

Obertan made a delayed debut in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek after recovering a back injury.

He almost made a dream start in the 67th minute following a defence-splitting pass by Anderson.

Former Bordeaux winger Obertan raced away only to send a weak shot into the arms of a grateful Robinson.

Dimitar Berbatov put in an impressive shift for Manchester United on Saturday as he helped to inspire a 2-0 win over Blackburn.

The victory, which also saw Wayne Rooney find the target late on, keeps Sir Alex Ferguson's men on the coattails of Premier League leaders Chelsea and represents the perfect response to last weekend's setback at Liverpool.

Berbatov monopolised the better of the first-half chances, and the Bulgarian could have had a hat-trick before the interval.

He should have done better with a planted header from six yards, which found its way over the top, while the languid frontman went on to force Paul Robinson into an acrobatic stop moments later.

Berbatov thought he had forced the breakthrough five minutes before the interval following a flowing move involving Nani and Rooney, but his simple effort was ruled out for offside, and there was still time for him to lash a wild shot high into the stands when well placed.

His persistence finally paid off, though, 10 minutes into the second half when he illuminated Old Trafford with a characteristic moment of magic.

Collecting a cross-shot from Patrice Evra, in one swift movement he nudged the ball into the air before sending a twisting volley past a rooted Robinson.

Gabriel Obertan, on his Premier League debut, later spurned a glorious opportunity to add a second for the Red Devils before Rooney wrapped things up on 87 minutes when he drilled low into the bottom corner.

Nikola Kalinic appeared to have offered Rovers a lifeline in stoppage time, but his celebrations were cut short by an assistant referee's flag.
Marvellous

United must have wondered how they were still on level terms at half-time given the amount of possession they enjoyed.

As early as the third minute Nani sent a 20-yard shot whistling past the post following a marvellous crossfield pass from Wes Brown.

A mistake by Blackburn defender Chris Samba let in Antonio Valencia 10 minutes later but he failed to take advantage and scuffed a shot off target.

It was a clear opportunity and Blackburn looked nervous at the back at this stage following the mauling by Chelsea last weekend and nine straight defeats on the road.

However, the visitors responded in the 21st minute and El-Hadji Diouf got into a good position, only for John O'Shea to make a crucial interception.

United stepped up the pressure and Pascal Chimbonda did well to block a shot from Berbatov in the 29th minute after Evra played the ball in.

A minute later Berbatov nearly made the breakthrough with a downward header following a cross from Valencia.

However, goalkeeper Robinson reacted superbly and turned the Bulgarian's effort over the bar.

Blackburn responded and Samba peeled away from his marker as David Dunn delivered the corner, only to head wide of the target.

Denied

It was brief respite for the visitors as Berbatov was again denied by Robinson in the 34th minute after being set up by Rooney.

This was a difficult spell for Blackburn and Berbatov found the net after Rooney had squared the ball to him in the 40th minute, only to be ruled offside.

Then Nani misdirected his header from inside the area following a corner from Valencia as Blackburn held out until half-time.

United pushed forward in the 53rd minute after Nani won the ball off Gael Givet.

The midfielder attempted to release Rooney but the pass was hopelessly misplaced and the move broke down.

Anderson then picked out Evra, who had raced into the area, only for his touch to let him down and Robinson was able to collect.

United made the breakthrough when Berbatov showed good skill when he got on the end of a cross from Evra.

He got the better of Ryan Nelsen, twisting and turning before sending a shot beyond Robinson for his fourth goal of the season.

Dream

United boss Ferguson decided to make a change after 64 minutes, bringing on Obertan for the ineffective Nani.

Obertan made a delayed debut in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek after recovering a back injury.

He almost made a dream start in the 67th minute following a defence-splitting pass by Anderson.

Former Bordeaux winger Obertan raced away only to send a weak shot into the arms of a grateful Robinson.

Dimitar Berbatov put in an impressive shift for Manchester United on Saturday as he helped to inspire a 2-0 win over Blackburn.

The victory, which also saw Wayne Rooney find the target late on, keeps Sir Alex Ferguson's men on the coattails of Premier League leaders Chelsea and represents the perfect response to last weekend's setback at Liverpool.

Berbatov monopolised the better of the first-half chances, and the Bulgarian could have had a hat-trick before the interval.

He should have done better with a planted header from six yards, which found its way over the top, while the languid frontman went on to force Paul Robinson into an acrobatic stop moments later.

Berbatov thought he had forced the breakthrough five minutes before the interval following a flowing move involving Nani and Rooney, but his simple effort was ruled out for offside, and there was still time for him to lash a wild shot high into the stands when well placed.

His persistence finally paid off, though, 10 minutes into the second half when he illuminated Old Trafford with a characteristic moment of magic.

Collecting a cross-shot from Patrice Evra, in one swift movement he nudged the ball into the air before sending a twisting volley past a rooted Robinson.

Gabriel Obertan, on his Premier League debut, later spurned a glorious opportunity to add a second for the Red Devils before Rooney wrapped things up on 87 minutes when he drilled low into the bottom corner.

Nikola Kalinic appeared to have offered Rovers a lifeline in stoppage time, but his celebrations were cut short by an assistant referee's flag.
Marvellous

United must have wondered how they were still on level terms at half-time given the amount of possession they enjoyed.

As early as the third minute Nani sent a 20-yard shot whistling past the post following a marvellous crossfield pass from Wes Brown.

A mistake by Blackburn defender Chris Samba let in Antonio Valencia 10 minutes later but he failed to take advantage and scuffed a shot off target.

It was a clear opportunity and Blackburn looked nervous at the back at this stage following the mauling by Chelsea last weekend and nine straight defeats on the road.

However, the visitors responded in the 21st minute and El-Hadji Diouf got into a good position, only for John O'Shea to make a crucial interception.

United stepped up the pressure and Pascal Chimbonda did well to block a shot from Berbatov in the 29th minute after Evra played the ball in.

A minute later Berbatov nearly made the breakthrough with a downward header following a cross from Valencia.

However, goalkeeper Robinson reacted superbly and turned the Bulgarian's effort over the bar.

Blackburn responded and Samba peeled away from his marker as David Dunn delivered the corner, only to head wide of the target.

Denied

It was brief respite for the visitors as Berbatov was again denied by Robinson in the 34th minute after being set up by Rooney.

This was a difficult spell for Blackburn and Berbatov found the net after Rooney had squared the ball to him in the 40th minute, only to be ruled offside.

Then Nani misdirected his header from inside the area following a corner from Valencia as Blackburn held out until half-time.

United pushed forward in the 53rd minute after Nani won the ball off Gael Givet.

The midfielder attempted to release Rooney but the pass was hopelessly misplaced and the move broke down.

Anderson then picked out Evra, who had raced into the area, only for his touch to let him down and Robinson was able to collect.

United made the breakthrough when Berbatov showed good skill when he got on the end of a cross from Evra.

He got the better of Ryan Nelsen, twisting and turning before sending a shot beyond Robinson for his fourth goal of the season.

Dream

United boss Ferguson decided to make a change after 64 minutes, bringing on Obertan for the ineffective Nani.

Obertan made a delayed debut in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek after recovering a back injury.

He almost made a dream start in the 67th minute following a defence-splitting pass by Anderson.

Former Bordeaux winger Obertan raced away only to send a weak shot into the arms of a grateful Robinson.

Dimitar Berbatov put in an impressive shift for Manchester United on Saturday as he helped to inspire a 2-0 win over Blackburn.

The victory, which also saw Wayne Rooney find the target late on, keeps Sir Alex Ferguson's men on the coattails of Premier League leaders Chelsea and represents the perfect response to last weekend's setback at Liverpool.

Berbatov monopolised the better of the first-half chances, and the Bulgarian could have had a hat-trick before the interval.

He should have done better with a planted header from six yards, which found its way over the top, while the languid frontman went on to force Paul Robinson into an acrobatic stop moments later.

Berbatov thought he had forced the breakthrough five minutes before the interval following a flowing move involving Nani and Rooney, but his simple effort was ruled out for offside, and there was still time for him to lash a wild shot high into the stands when well placed.

His persistence finally paid off, though, 10 minutes into the second half when he illuminated Old Trafford with a characteristic moment of magic.

Collecting a cross-shot from Patrice Evra, in one swift movement he nudged the ball into the air before sending a twisting volley past a rooted Robinson.

Gabriel Obertan, on his Premier League debut, later spurned a glorious opportunity to add a second for the Red Devils before Rooney wrapped things up on 87 minutes when he drilled low into the bottom corner.

Nikola Kalinic appeared to have offered Rovers a lifeline in stoppage time, but his celebrations were cut short by an assistant referee's flag.
Marvellous

United must have wondered how they were still on level terms at half-time given the amount of possession they enjoyed.

As early as the third minute Nani sent a 20-yard shot whistling past the post following a marvellous crossfield pass from Wes Brown.

A mistake by Blackburn defender Chris Samba let in Antonio Valencia 10 minutes later but he failed to take advantage and scuffed a shot off target.

It was a clear opportunity and Blackburn looked nervous at the back at this stage following the mauling by Chelsea last weekend and nine straight defeats on the road.

However, the visitors responded in the 21st minute and El-Hadji Diouf got into a good position, only for John O'Shea to make a crucial interception.

United stepped up the pressure and Pascal Chimbonda did well to block a shot from Berbatov in the 29th minute after Evra played the ball in.

A minute later Berbatov nearly made the breakthrough with a downward header following a cross from Valencia.

However, goalkeeper Robinson reacted superbly and turned the Bulgarian's effort over the bar.

Blackburn responded and Samba peeled away from his marker as David Dunn delivered the corner, only to head wide of the target.

Denied

It was brief respite for the visitors as Berbatov was again denied by Robinson in the 34th minute after being set up by Rooney.

This was a difficult spell for Blackburn and Berbatov found the net after Rooney had squared the ball to him in the 40th minute, only to be ruled offside.

Then Nani misdirected his header from inside the area following a corner from Valencia as Blackburn held out until half-time.

United pushed forward in the 53rd minute after Nani won the ball off Gael Givet.

The midfielder attempted to release Rooney but the pass was hopelessly misplaced and the move broke down.

Anderson then picked out Evra, who had raced into the area, only for his touch to let him down and Robinson was able to collect.

United made the breakthrough when Berbatov showed good skill when he got on the end of a cross from Evra.

He got the better of Ryan Nelsen, twisting and turning before sending a shot beyond Robinson for his fourth goal of the season.

Dream

United boss Ferguson decided to make a change after 64 minutes, bringing on Obertan for the ineffective Nani.

Obertan made a delayed debut in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek after recovering a back injury.

He almost made a dream start in the 67th minute following a defence-splitting pass by Anderson.

Former Bordeaux winger Obertan raced away only to send a weak shot into the arms of a grateful Robinson.

Berbatov came off in the 79th minute and replaced by Michael Owen, who scored in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley.

United should have extended their lead in the 83rd minute but Obertan again fluffed his lines. Clear in front of goal as Valencia played the ball into his path, he snatched at the chance and sent his effort wide.

Obertan then had a hand in United's second goal in the 88th minute when he found Anderson on the left flank.

The Brazilian sent a good ball into the area and Rooney was the first to react with a sweet finish.

Substitute Nikola Kalinic found the net for Blackburn in stoppage time but his effort was ruled offside before Owen sent a shot narrowly wide.