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PREVIEW: United defender Vidic a doubt for Chelsea crunch

Apr 24, 2008, 15:25 GMT

London - Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is a major doubt for Saturday's crucial Premier League game against Chelsea as he continues his recovery from a stomach problem. The Serbia international, who has been in excellent form this season, missed Wednesday's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona after receiving hospital treatment for the complaint. 'He was 24, 36 hours without eating,' said manager Sir Alex Ferguson. 'I don't think he'll be ready for Saturday, that's the situation, it's a stomach infection.' Victory for United would effectively guarantee them the title, leaving them six points clear of Chelsea with a vastly superior goal difference. And, while that goal difference would leave them favourites even were they to lose, it would put pressure on the final two matches. Midfielder Frank Lampard should be available for Chelsea, despite having to rush back to the bedside of his ill mother straight after Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw against Liverpool. That game had looked to be heading for a 1-0 defeat until an own goal from John Arne Riise deep into injury-time. 'Manchester United is a completely different thing but it is a big lift,' said Lampard. 'But if we beat them and then with Liverpool coming, we might be peaking at the right time.' It could be a crucial week at the bottom of the table, where the winner of the Sunderland against Middlesbrough clash would secure their survival providing Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Reading don't all win. Bolton, having won their last two to keep alive their hopes of staying up travel to Tottenham Hotspur, whose recent form has been indifferent. They will still be without suspended centre-forward Kevin Davies. Birmingham, who slipped into the relegation zone with a 5-1 defeat to local rivals Aston Villa last week, host Liverpool, while Reading, after three straight defeats and no goals in their last four games, are at Wigan, who would confirm their Premier League future with a win. Fulham's relegation would be confirmed if they lose at Manchester City and two of Birmingham, Bolton and Reading win. There could also be a decisive move in the race for fifth and a place in next season's UEFA Cup as Everton host Aston Villa. Everton have stuttered recently, while Villa have banged in 15 goals in their last three games to close to within three points.

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