Chelsea take on Manchester United in tonight's big game at Stamford Bridge after the original clash was postponed before Christmas.

It's been a bright start with Chelsea looking particularly lively.

Florent Malouda gets in a shot on target but it's well fielded by Edwin van der Sar.

Luiz easily cuts out an underhit cross by Hernandez.

Vidic beats Torres in a challenge and ends up winning a free kick.

Both sides have already mounted decent attacks - it was Luiz who was penalised from the corner.

The ball is in the net but the whistle has long gone by Atkinson following the corner.

Torres gets an early touch and Vidic mops up at the back for the Red Devils, conceding a corner.

United kick off..

The champions will be determined to put on a show in front of their home fans but it's also crucial Chelsea finish in the top four so these are important points at stake. Remember the Blues also still have to play at Old Trafford.

John Terry and Nemanja Vidic are poised in the tunnel and we're ready to go.

The tension builds as we await the two teams coming out onto the pitch.

Carlo Ancelotti says Ferguson has the right attitude in coming to Stamford Bridge looking for the three points rather than playing for a draw.

The players are starting to head back to the dressing room as the atmosphere begins to build.

"This watching business is killing me," Tweets Ferdinand. He will be hopeful of returning for the trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

It could be a stormy affair. There have been 48 yellow cards and one red in the last seven league meetings between Chelsea and United and average of seven cards per game, whereas they would normally average a 1.5 each per match.

A reminder we kick off at 7.45pm so not long to go now.

The Red Devils have scored the most headed goals in the Premier League (14) while Chelsea have conceded the joint-fewest (4).

Both sides have a centre-half with little experience of these big Premier League showdowns. Luiz plays for Chelsea after his big-money move from Benfica with Chris Smalling continuing to deputise for the injured Rio Ferdinand. Smalling once scored an own goal on his full league debut for Fulham against the Blues.

Chelsea are favourites to win tonight - odds: Chelsea 5/4 Draw 23/10 Man United 13/5.

If Ryan Giggs comes off the bench, he will equal Sir Bobby Charlton's league appearance for the Red Devils - at the same ground where the World Cup winner ended his career.

Hernandez scored in his first competitive game for United against Chelsea in this season's Community Shield.