Fortress Stamford Bridge: Three recent Chelsea home victories over Manchester United

2011: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United

This game was memorable for the grand introduction Brazilian David Luiz made to English football.

The match had been scheduled for December, but called off because of snow, right when Chelsea were having their injury crisis.

Now flush with reinforcements, including Fernando Torres, Chelsea still trailed at half-time thanks to an excellent Wayne Rooney strike from the edge of the box.

The game turned shortly after half-time when David Luiz netted a superb half-volleyed equaliser at the near post of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

Luiz escaped punishment later in the match for fouls on both Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez much to the anger of United's management.

Just when the game seemed to be heading for a draw, Chelsea won a penalty when Chris Smalling was judged to have committed a foul in the box late on.

Up stepped Frank Lampard to coolly convert the penalty which won Chelsea the game.

2009: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

This was the first Premier League clash between these two clubs with Carlo Ancelotti in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

He was dead set on his diamond formation, which failed to bring out the best of the blues in this hard fought clash.

United new boy Antonio Valencia kept Ashley Cole quiet for the most part of the game, but United were unable to create any real thrust themselves.

In the end it was Cole who won a free-kick from Darren Fletcher on the edge of the box which led to the Chelsea winner.

It was controversial because United felt that Cole exaggerated any contact and Fletcher was being punished for his tough tackling reputation.

John Terry netted the winner, heading in Frank Lampard's free-kick. United argued it should have been ruled out on two points, Drogba being offside and Terry fouling Wes Brown.

Their complaints mattered little, it was Chelsea who won the three points, which would prove crucial in winning the league.

2008: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United

There were just weeks left before these two clashed in the Champions League final, and Chelsea were hot on the heels of United in the Premier League.

The blues drew first blood, landing a goal through Michael Ballack just before half-time.

United fought back in the second half equalising through a Wayne Rooney one-on-one.

Ferguson had gambled in this lunchtime kick-off by leaving Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez on the bench and it backfired while Chelsea of course had Avram Grant in charge.

With minutes to go, the referee decided Michael Carrick had handled Michael Essien's cross and awarded a penalty.

Michael Ballack stepped up to net his second and Chelsea' winner and land a big blow in the title race.

In the end it did not help Chelsea, United went on to win the league, and break their hearts in a Champions League penalty shoot-out.

United will point to their recent 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League earlier this year as evidence they can  win there. With John Terry injured, Ashley Cole suspended and Chelsea struggling for form they may not have a better opportunity to record a league win.

Who do you think will triumph today? Will Chelsea replicate their recent successes?

image: © Tom Cuppens