The reigning champions have had a poor start by their standards and can ill afford to fall further behind in the title race by losing against chief rivals Chelsea, who have not lost a home league game since February 2004.

Last season's encounter spilled over into confrontation when a mass scuffle broke out between United players and Chelsea groundstaff after Patrice Evra claimed he had been racially insulted during an argument while warming down after the game.

Rio Ferdinand also had to apologise after kicking a female steward by mistake - he meant to kick a wall in frustration.

Evra has been charged with misconduct and has a personal hearing at the FA on October 2, while Chelsea have also been charged over remarks allegedly made by groundsman Sam Bethell - which the club deny.

But Evra said: "It will not affect anything. We have a new story with every game and we just know we need to win against Chelsea for the confidence of the team.

"It's the perfect game for us, the spirit is there and we have to show our quality.

"But I'm not saying that if we beat Chelsea then we have won the league, or if we lose the game we have lost the league."

Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher believes the importance of the match is so great that last season's encounters will have little impact.

Fletcher said: "I don't think anyone is going to be even more fired up because of the past. After losing against Liverpool we can't afford to lose too much ground in the Premier League.

"Chelsea have a great record at home and it's something we are looking to end and get ourselves back up the league."

Nemanja Vidic is suspended so United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has to choose between playing Jonny Evans, who performed well on Wednesday night in the goalless Champions League draw with Villarreal, or Wes Brown with Gary Neville at full-back.

Cristiano Ronaldo is certain to feature at some point after coming on as a substitute against the Spaniards in midweek and Fletcher said the Portugal winger's return has boosted morale.

He added: "He came in, he looked sharp, he has recovered from his injury quicker than expected and it's great to have him back because he's the best player in the world."