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Clash against United is our final - Ancelotti

Chelsea have roared back into life in recent weeks © PA Photos

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Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Chelsea are preparing for their top-of-the-table clash against Manchester United as if it were a final, insisting his side have a "fantastic opportunity" to reach the Premier League summit.

League leaders United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Sunday, with only three points separating the two sides - with both currently on the same goal difference.

On February 26, United held a 15-point advantage over the reigning league champions, but Ancelotti's side have hit top form at just the right time, keeping their title aspirations alive.

The Blues boss says his troops are ready for battle and confessed he is trying to downplay the importance of the match in order to save energy.

"It's like a final for us," he said. "We wanted to play in the final of the Champions League but we have to be happy to play this kind of final. This is a different final but for us we can compare this game to a final. To prepare for a final you have to stay relaxed as much as possible.

"There is a lot of pressure around you to prepare this game and you have to have the skills to stay relaxed, to maintain a good control of your emotions, don't be too afraid, too worried because to be too worried you lose energy before the game and you have to use all the energy during the game."

Chelsea, who have won their last five league fixtures, will return to the top of the table for the first time since November should they find a way past United and Ancelotti saluted his team's attitude.

"Our team is in good form, there's a good atmosphere. We have a fantastic opportunity. Everyone spoke about this team but we are still alive and this means we have a good character, a good personality, we are very professional," he said.

"Nothing is decided. For us, we've had a fantastic few weeks because we can fight for the title. Nobody thought two months ago we could do this and we've done really well to come back to fight for the title. I am really happy.

"Obviously Manchester has the advantage again, but if we can close the gap quickly we can still achieve the title. It will be very important to get to the top of the table at this time."

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