English Premier League Game of The Week: Chelsea vs Manchester United Preview

On Sunday in West London, two clubs with pristine records and the most talent-ridden squads in recent years will do battle at Stamford Bridge, when Chelsea play host to Manchester United.

Chelsea
Form: L-L-D-D-D
Goals for: 31
Goals against: 12
Top scorers: Florent Malouda (7), Didier Drogba (7), Salomon Kalou (6)

Manchester United
Form: D-D-W-W-W
Goals for: 36
Goals against: 16
Top scorers: Dimitar Berbatov (11), Nani (5)

Chelsea began the season with a five match win streak, posting a +20 goal difference in the process before losing to Manchester City 1-0. And since November 7th, the Blues have won just one game, a 1-0 victory against Fulham.

Carlo Ancelotti's team is coming off an underwhelming performance against Tottenham, a game that saw Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard return to the lineup as substitutes. After a Drogba equalizer in the 70th minute, a 90th minute penalty put the striker on the spot, but the Ivorian failed to finish the chance.

Meanwhile, Chelsea went from the top of the table by a semi-comfortable margin to fourth place, three points behind the league leaders, Manchester United.

United still have not lost in the 2010 season and have recorded three straight wins all at Old Trafford. But the clubs' seven draws have resulted in a marginal lead over Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Red Devils are in good scoring form of late, aided by a 7-1 drumming of Blackburn a couple of weeks ago. While their defense has been shaky for most of the season, United have allowed just two goals in their last five matches at home.

Luckily for Chelsea, they are the hosts for the first of two meetings with United.

Away from Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson's men have drawn six times, scoring 11 goals, but giving up 10 to the home sides.

With United giving up goals on the road, it is only fitting that Chelsea come into the game with a usually dominating demeanor at Stamford Bridge. They boast a 6-1-1 mark at home and a +14 goal difference (18 GF, 4 GA).

Drogba and Lampard should be fit to start the match, giving the squad a much needed boost in experience and playmaking ability. 

Despite the knocks on Chelsea's form, it is the shortage of goals that has led to a poor run of things of late. Their last three results came as 1-1 draws, but easily could have been victories.

For United, Nani's form continues to provide chances for himself as others, as he is off to a career year with the club. 

In a match that will feature no lack of superstars, expect a gritty and intense battle, one that could have United increase its lead in the Premiership or see Chelsea climb back into the thick of the race with a win.