Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect the Barclays Premier League title race to take shape until after the next international break.

Ferguson's Manchester United side head to Chelsea on Sunday knowing their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2002 will allow them to jump back to the top of the table.

It would put them in prime position for the resumption of domestic hostilities on November 21, after which, FA Cup weekends apart, battle will take place on a regular basis until a conclusion is reached on May 9.

So, while there is a lot of jostling taking place, with Arsenal impressing and Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham looking most likely to exploit Liverpool's weaknesses, Ferguson feels it is something of a phoney war.

"The Premier League does not settle until all the internationals are over," he said.

"Once we get over this next bout of internationals we will probably see a truer league."

Nevertheless, defeat would leave United five points adrift of Carlo Ancelotti's men and playing the old game of catch-up, which they used to be so good at, only to come unstuck when Jose Mourinho mastered the art of maintaining momentum after a flying start.

The continued absence of Rio Ferdinand is causing a concern, although Nemanja Vidic's return after a minor calf strain does provide United with their own forceful presence with which to try and quell Didier Drogba.

Not that the task has proved easy in recent times.

Once one of United's favoured grounds, Stamford Bridge has turned into a bit of a hellhole in recent years.

Those six long years since their last triumph have included a couple of draws. But largely the Red Devils have found it ultra difficult against a squad that has remained basically the same.

Little wonder Ferguson is not anxious to dwell on the matter.

"There is no point looking back six years ago," he said.

"It is better just to look at the present team and what they are capable of. We are capable of winning the game, there is no doubt about that.

"It is a strange situation because we used to have a terrific record down there up until a few years ago. But we have let it slip and we have to get our act together.

"It is not going to be easy for either team.

"It will be tough. At moments it will be intense and feisty but there are so many good players on the pitch you are expecting some moments of terrific play. I am sure we will get that."