“Now we can think of Chelsea. It will be difficult, we will need to be at our best and have the support of the crowd,” former Chelsea coach Ranieri told reporters. “Against English sides, the help and support of the crowd can count.”

Winger Marco Marchionni is doubtful but defenders Nicola Legrottaglie and Zdenek Grygera have shaken off knocks and should be fit. Ranieri left Alessandro del Piero and David Trezeguet on the bench against Torino, suggesting the striking pair will start against last season’s runners-up. With Michael Essien back as a substitute for the first time in seven months following a knee injury and Ricardo Carvalho also returning on Saturday, Chelsea have a more familiar feel. However, Nicolas Anelka may miss the match because of a toe injury.

Advantage Liverpool

A crunch week for Liverpool starts with the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday. The match is the first of a double-header that can make or break Liverpool’s season — and possibly go some way towards deciding whether manager Rafa Benitez remains at the club.

After playing Real, Liverpool make the short trip to Old Trafford on Saturday where anything other than a victory over Manchester United will effectively end their hopes of winning the league. “It is very important to approach this (Real) game thinking we have to win it and not think about any other result,” said Benitez, whose side hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg. “What you must not do is think we are already there,” said the Spaniard. While a draw against Real would be enough to see them through, Benitez also knows that Real are unlikely to be as sluggish as they were in Madrid.