Manchester United's suspect defence has been warned to beware of an in-form Didier Drogba when the Premier League champions visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Red Devils were caught napping at the back in a 3-3 draw with CSKA Moscow in midweek and are set to be without the injured Rio Ferdinand, who has struggled for form this season anyway, and the suspended Gary Neville for the trip to west London.

Those who do play will have their hands full with Drogba, who returned to UEFA Champions League action following a suspension with a brace against Atletico Madrid, which took his tally for the season to 12.

He had a good pre-season. He is really happy and enjoying his form at the moment. He is training harder than ever.
Florent Malouda on Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba

"He has not changed, the fact he had a good pre-season without injuries can explain it, he is really happy and enjoying his form at the moment," Malouda said of the Ivorian. "He is training harder than ever and had some rest because of the ban, but is now back in the competition and scoring goals.

"He always believed in himself, even in the second division in France he was dreaming about it and preparing himself. Even at this level he is working harder and harder."

Patrice Evra knows there must be an improvement from United if they are to rein in the league leaders. Speaking after the CSKA game, the Frenchman said: "If you concede three goals at home, you can hardly say it has been a good performance from the defenders.

"We did well to come back, as we did against Manchester City. But we need to make sure we don't concede three goals on Sunday because then it won't be easy to get back."