Ferguson fears Chelsea in title race

The trophy switched from United to Manchester City in the most thrilling fashion last season, meaning it has only left Manchester once since 2007.

Chelsea was responsible for that brief interlude, in 2010.

And, even though the season is only gearing up for its 10th round of fixtures this weekend, the United manager does not see it going anywhere else.

"Chelsea, City and ourselves are creating that little gap from the rest and whilst I cannot be dead certain, I would be surprised if one of us didn't win it," said Ferguson.

It just places even more emphasis on the showdown between Chelsea and United at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues boast an unbeaten Premier League home record against its rival that dates back to 2002.

However, it is looking to recover from its shock UEFA Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk, which has placed a question mark over its ability to reach the knockout phase.

Given City needs a "miracle" according to Roberto Mancini, after picking up just one point from its opening three games, Ferguson could be forgiven for being slightly concerned at the prospect of heading into the second half of the season with significantly more matches to play.

"It is never a good thing to lose a game of football," said the United manager.

"If you are knocked out of the Champions League it would not be a good thing. If you were knocked out of Europe completely it would be even worse.

"We are better when we are playing in all the competitions. I much prefer that."

Shinji Kagawa misses out for United after suffering a knee injury in the side's win over Braga.

In all likelihood, Chelsea will miss John Terry far more as he serves the second game of a four-match suspension.

So much has been said about the racism row that engulfed both clubs it has largely been overlooked exactly half of the games Terry will be suspended for are against United, who also visit Stamford Bridge in its League Cup clash midweek.

"Terry is a loss because he has been such a dominating figure," he said.

"He is the captain and has so much experience at the back. He can be a ruthless defender and a lot of the time, his presence alone was the most important thing.

"You always miss a player like that."