We’re still a force, roars Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge wants to show that Chelsea can still compete with Manchester United when they host the champions at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Chelsea are unbeaten in 2012 and have lost just one of their last 11 league matches.

But that run includes disappointing draws against promoted clubs Swansea and Norwich in Chelsea’s last two Premier League outings.

And Sturridge knows the club need to start turning draws into wins if they are to close the gap on the leaders.

“Of course, against teams that aren’t in the top six we want to be winning every single one of those games, if you maybe win four and then draw one that’s okay,” Sturridge said.

“We haven’t been as consistent as we would have liked but we’re in a progressive stage where all the teams are improving.

“The mood in the camp is very good and everybody is looking forward to going out there and showing what they can do.”

Chelsea currently trail the leaders by 12 points and the club appear to be in a battle for the fourth Champions League spot rather than a title race.

But Sturridge still feels Chelsea are a major force in English football and does not think this is something that changes overnight.

“We are a big club, and I don’t think anybody should forget that,” added Sturridge. “We’re a great club, and we are going to go out there on Sunday and prove to everybody that we can still compete with the likes of Manchester United.