Chelsea

Petr Cech, goalkeeper, age 27
7/10: Lacks his old solidity, especially at crosses, though still a superb shot stopper and remains a matchwinner on his day.

Branislav Ivanovic, full-back, age 25
6/10: Powerful and uncompromising, the Serb makes himself unpleasant to play against though he can lack delicacy in possession.

John Terry, centre-back, age 28
8/10: Leader of the pack and in consistent form under Ancelotti though Rooney will seek to test his mobility and Berbatov plays well against him.

Ricardo Carvalho, centre-back, age 31
7/10: The one Chelsea player whose confidence does not appear to have been boosted by Ancelotti's arrival, but at his best is a class apart.

Ashley Cole, full-back, age 28
8/10: Returned from injury in midweek and aside from his defensive duties has a vital attacking role in trying to probe United's weaker right side.

Michael Essien, midfielder, age 26
8/10: The Duracell man who never tires; brings energy and mobility to the holding role and scores spectacular goals.

Michael Ballack, midfielder, age 33
8/10: Has rolled back the years this season and is playing like the midfield Kaiser who almost took Germany to the last World Cup final.

Frank Lampard, midfielder, age 31
8/10: Ancelotti says he is in his prime and he is playing like it. A mature, clever footballer who grows and grows.

Joe Cole, midfielder, age 28 today
7/10: May get the nod over Deco because he has more energy, though he is still playing his way back following injury. Eager to catch Fabio Capello's eye.

Nicolas Anelka, striker, age 30
8/10: Le Sulk has become Le Smile under Ancelotti and the Frenchman, operating as striker-cum-winger, has never played better.

Didier Drogba, striker, age 31
9/10: It needed something special to eclipse Sergio Aguero in Madrid on Tuesday night. Drogba is something special.