Nov 6, 2009 - 11:33 AM
0 shoutsALEX CROOK STATS European Football Writer=
LONDON (SE) - Micheal Ballack has taunted championship rivals Manchester United on the eve of Sunday's top two showdown at Stamford Bridge by claiming the Premier League title is Chelsea's to lose.
Chelsea have made a sensational start to the season under new manager Carlo Ancelotti and can open up a five-point lead over defending champions United with a victory.
Germany captain Ballack said: "It is in our hands and Sunday is a big day for us. It's a day where we can take a big step forward and make the gap bigger. Hopefully we can do this.
"In the past we have been playing catch up with Manchester United but this time we are the ones leading from the front.
"We have to maintain our strength over the whole season and if we do, then no one can beat us."
United defender Patrice Evra is backing Wayne Rooney to celebrate the birth of his first child with a goal.
Rooney came off the bench to inspire United to fight back from 3-1 down to claim a 3-3 draw at home to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday hours after wife Colleen gave birth to son Kai.
Left back Evra said: "I hope he can celebrate really well with a goal on Sunday.
"He sent me the pictures of Kai and it was very nice. He is very happy and it is good for him because you are more mature once you get a baby."
Evra is also on a revenge mission after being hit with a four-match ban following an altercation with Chelsea groundsmen during United's 2-1 defeat in April 2008.
He also had a bust-up with Ballack in this season's Community Shield clash at Wembley.
France international Evra said: "If you ask me the one game I want to win above all others each season it is the game at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
"When I play against Chelsea something bad always happens. There was trouble after one game and this season there was the incident with Ballack.
"I have to make sure nothing happens this time. I just want to have a good memory and enjoy it because I always enjoy playing against Chelsea.
"Every year they are our biggest rival and I respect them a lot. They are our most dangerous rival every year so we need to be strong.
"It is the perfect game. They are top of the league and when you play against them it is just a good feeling to win.
"We are two points behind so we have to make sure we do not lose because it could be five. It would be difficult for us then so we are going there for a win."
Chelsea are boosted by the return of Yury Zhirkov and John Obi Mikel after recovering from injuries but defender Jose Bosingwa is out.
United are again without stricken England defender Rio Ferdinand while Gary Neville is banned but Nemanja Vidic should be fit.
