ONE of Europe's biggest matches of the season will take place on Sunday when Manchester United take on Chelsea.

It is a massive game for both teams. United are top of the Premiership but Chelsea, who are three points behind, will be looking to overturn that.

Chelsea have had it their own way over the last two years but this season there are two teams running away with it, as is illustrated by Portsmouth being third eight points behind adrift of Chelsea.

Manchester United will start favourites because the match is at Old Trafford but Jose Mourinho will set his stall out because he's a shrewd manager and I don't think they will go out for a draw, so it should be an open game.

Personally, I prefer United's flair and imagination to Chelsea's style of football.

Chelsea have changed their style a bit and are playing more of a diamond with Michael Ballack behind Didier Drogba and Andrei Shevchenko but United don't change too much from season to season.

I think the main reason they have become challengers again this season is because Paul Scholes has come back in fantastic form and is being helped by Michael Carrick sitting in midfield.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also playing well on the flank and Ryan Giggs is back to his best, whereas Chelsea have done away with their wingers.

Both managers are winners though and Mourinho has done a great job coming into a new league. He's had a lot of money to spend and done that wisely.

Some people can have money and bring players who do not fit in. It's not always easy and it's something we have had to do at York at a lower level.

Most of Mourinho's signings have been successes. There were question marks over Shevchenko but he's scoring now and, like Manchester United, they have a great team spirit.

For me, Chelsea's important player is Frank Lampard but, when you consider the likes of Drogba, Shevchenko and Michael Essien, they have quality everywhere. It will be one of the biggest games of the season and it might be a case of who copes better mentally.

Football is in the mind and is not all about ability. I always say you can have all the ability in the world but if the mind isn't right the feet won't move.