Lifes a picnic for Essien

The Blues travel to Old Trafford on the brink of completing the greatest comeback in Premier League championship history, having clawed back a 15-point deficit on the leaders with a run of 25 points from 27. Victory would put them top for the first time since November after the club's worst run in the league for almost 15 years saw them crash to fifth in the table.

Essien wrote in his blog on Chelsea's official website: "It has been a sweet and sour season. To use a sandwich analogy: sweet bread at the top, sour filling and more sweet bread at the bottom."

He added: "We started the season extremely well, had a sour middle part and are now ending strongly.

"We have hit a good run of form lately and have managed to haul ourselves back into the title race.

"We have to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend to ensure we are in the driving seat and I can assure you we are up for it.

"The team is playing well and I have no doubt we will give it everything we have to beat Man United."

Source: PA

Source: PA