Carlo: defeat will not put us out of title race

CARLO ANCELOTTI has insisted Chelsea’s Premier League title challenge would not be killed off by a defeat to Manchester United tomorrow.

The crunch clash at Stamford Bridge has been billed in some quarters as decisive for the Blues’ hopes of retaining their title, with their recent miserable run seeing them drop three points behind United having played a game more.

Under-pressure manager Ancelotti is well aware a loss could eventually see that gap soar to nine points, but was adamant such a deficit could be recovered in the most unpredictable title race for years.