United start defence of their European Crown
Manchester United start the defence of their Champions League trophy with a home game against Spanish side Villarreal but can be forgiven if their thoughts are more on the big showdown with Chelsea four days later in the Premier league.
In what is sure to be a busy time for football spread betters, Chelsea also start their Champions League campaign with a home tie against French side Bordeaux before welcoming United to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have a slight advantage as they play Bordeaux on the Tuesday night, whereas United play Villarreal on the Wednesday, giving them one less day to prepare for the journey to London.
This will be the first time the sides clash since that amazing night in Moscow and Chelsea captain John Terry will be one player hoping for a better outcome. Terry had the chance to win the Champions League for Chelsea but hit the post with his penalty kick and United went on to win the trophy for the third time.
United's record against Chelsea in the Premier League is surprisingly poor, in 32 premiership games, United have only won nine, drawing 13 games and losing 10.
At Stamford Bridge, the record is even worse - Chelsea have won six, drawn six and only lost four of the 16 Premier League games held there between the sides.
Chelsea came out on top in the last league game there, last April when a 2-1 victory forced the race for the title down to the last game of the season.
United went into that game knowing a victory would secure the Premier League title but with the game being sandwiched in between the Champions League semi-final ties against Barcelona, Sir Alex Ferguson rested six players and was punished for this by a very determined Chelsea side.
German midfielder Michael Ballack opened the scoring in the first half when he raced into the box unmarked to get on the end of a Didier Drogba cross and head the home side into the lead.
United got back into the game in the second half when a terrible back-pass by Ricardo Carvalho was intercepted by Wayne Rooney and he slotted the ball by 'keeper Petr Cech to level the game.
United seemed to be content with leaving Stamford Bridge with a draw but Chelsea poured forward at every opportunity and were rewarded with a few minutes remaining when a Michael Essien cross was adjudged to be handed in the box by Michael Carrick and the referee pointed to the spot.
Ballack stepped up and held his nerve to score from the spot and forced the race for the title to go all the way to the final moments of the season.
United did finally retain the title with victory away to Wigan and then went on to claim the Champions League, both at the expense of Chelsea, so this game is sure to be a passionate encounter but with Chelsea's record against United at Stamford Bridge and the fact they have an extra day to prepare for it means that they will be favourites among the spread betting supporters.
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