Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater hopes to start on Sunday against Manchester United.

The 27-year-old grew up as a Manchester United junior having been born in the city and a United supporter.

"Chelsea was obviously a big team as well," he says as he casts his mind back. "They were similar big teams – Chelsea, United, Liverpool, City, Arsenal - so Chelsea was like a London rival at the time, yeah a big club.

"The Chelsea players I remember most from growing up would have been Frank Lampard, John Terry, Dennis Wise going back even further and Gianfranco Zola. I remember watching him and it was a joke! I think everybody loves Zola.

"Damien Duff I liked, players like that. I remember watching Marcel Desailly as well, he used to be class. There were quite a few.

"I did watch the midfielders but saying that, I played up front as a kid. You tend to watch other players in your positions, and try to learn off them along the way."

If he is called upon again tomorrow he is in good condition to play his part.

"I am feeling good," he reports. "I am working on my strength and I am getting settled in. The lads have been top so it has been quite easy getting used to everything."