Chelsea vs. Manchester United: 5 Bold Predictions

The Premier League game to watch this weekend is Sunday's clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

United moved level on points with league leaders Manchester City this week, but with City playing Fulham on Saturday, they could well find themselves in arrears once again come Sunday. Three points will be the target in west London, with defeat unthinkable.

Chelsea are in dire need of a win themselves. Andre Villas-Boas' team have drawn their last two Premier League games, against Swansea and Norwich, and find themselves slipping back towards the chasing pack as they seek to secure Champions League qualification.

Here are five bold predictions for the game on Sunday, which kicks off at 4pm GMT. B/R's Mike Cummings will be providing a live blog—click here to find it.

Torres Will End the Drought

Fernando Torres hasn't scored for Chelsea in the Premier League since September, but he looked his most likely for a while in the Blues' last home game against Sunderland.

The Spaniard also scored last time out against United, which adds weight to the argument he'll end the drought on Sunday.

With Andy Carroll back in the goals, surely it's time Torres got back on the bus, too.

I'm going for Torres to put Chelsea ahead from close range inside the first 10 minutes.

Valencia Will Have a Field Day

Antonio Valencia has been in terrific form for United of late, making a constant nuisance of himself on the right flank and weighing in with nine assists in his last 11 starts.

With Ashley Cole suspended, I expect Valencia to thrive against his replacement at left back—be it youngster Ryan Bertrand, Jose Bosingwa switched across or perhaps even Michael Essien in the role.

Valencia will set up United's equaliser, scored by...

Hernandez on Target

Wayne Rooney appears set to return for United on Sunday, but it's anybody's guess (apart from Sir Alex Ferguson) who'll play alongside him in attack.

I'm going to take a punt on Javier Hernandez, who showed some good movement against Stoke and scored from the penalty spot.

Chicharito has been a little off-color so far this season, but this could be the fixture we see him back to the kind of form he showed last campaign.

I'm going for Hernandez to bring United level at 1-1 towards the end of the first half.

Terry to Rise Above Controversy

The spotlight will once again fall on John Terry at Stamford Bridge, in the wake of the announcement he won't face trial for alleged racist abuse until after Euro 2012.

Terry's no stranger to controversy, though. History tells us he'll rise to the occasion and put in a fine performance.

I'm going one further. I think he'll head home to put Chelsea 2-1 up.

Nani Back with a Bang

Reports suggest Nani will return to the United side on Sunday, and I expect him to be heavily involved on their left flank.

Nani scored a screamer against Chelsea back in September, and I'm backing him to find the net for United's equalizer at Stamford Bridge.

This is going to be one for the neutral. I see it ending 2-2.