Soccer:Carlo Ancelotti today claimed Chelsea's title showdown at Manchester United would be like a Champions League final for them as they bid to complete the greatest comeback in Premier League championship history.

The Blues travel to Old Trafford on Sunday knowing victory would send them top of the table just over two months after they languished 15 points behind United. They also crashed out of the Champions League to Alex Ferguson’s men last month, a defeat which appeared to end their hopes of silverware this season and left Ancelotti all but resigned to losing his job.

However, the Italian believes Sunday’s match bears comparison to the biggest game in club football, saying: “For us, it’s like a final. We wanted to play the final of the Champions League, but we have to be happy to play this different kind of final. We can compare it to a final. We have to prepare for this game like it’s a final.

“There is a lot of pressure around us to prepare for this game, but you have to have the skills to stay relaxed, maintain good control of your emotions, not be too afraid or worried, because that uses energy, and you need that during the game.”

Ancelotti felt confident enough to chastise those who had written his side off.

“You thought that this season was no good and now you have this opportunity,” he said. “This season has not gone as everyone suggested. Everyone said that during the season. This team is still alive. This means that these players have very good character, personality, are very professional. After the defeat against United, it was not easy to move on and turn. But they had a fantastic reaction.”

Chelsea won at Old Trafford last season, a victory which ultimately saw them lift the title. But Ancelotti was cautious about declaring three points this weekend, which would put them top on goal difference with two games remaining, would have the same effect.

He said: “They are favourites as they have three points more. If we are able to win, nothing is decided. If they win, they will win the title.”

The Italian’s major tactical decision revolves around whether to play both Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres, with many claiming it would be a huge gamble to start with the latter.

“It’s not a gamble — Torres is a fantastic striker,” said Ancelotti, who revealed he had yet to choose his strikeforce. “I want to say one thing: the line-up will not be what decides this game. This game will be decided through the courage of the players, the personality, the character. We don’t need to be worried, afraid about this.”

Ancelotti had earlier brushed aside reports linking him with a move to Roma this summer. Ancelotti was in the Italian capital this week and his presence increased speculation that he could join the Serie A outfit next season.

Ancelotti won the Italian title with Roma as a player in 1983 and has made no secret that he would love to manage them one day. However, he insisted it will not be in the near future.

"I have not spoken to any club," Ancelotti told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I don't want to talk about the future until this season is over. I want to remain in England and I can assure you that I will not be coaching in Italy next year."

The 51-year-old joined Chelsea from AC Milan in June 2009 and went on to win the league and FA Cup double in his first season.

The Italian tactician is under contract with the Blues outfit until June 2012.