Avram Grant: We'll beat Manchester United for Frank Lampard

The midfielder is expected to sit out the game as he comes to terms with his loss and Grant said the sad news had "brought the team together".

The Blues boss added: "We want to do it for Frank. It's not an easy situation. We are a big family and we are all very close. All the players and staff are very sad because of what's happened.

"All our sympathies are with him and we will try to do everything to make sure we are still fighting for the championship when he comes back.

"He didn't train today and I'm not sure he will play, but I need to speak to him first. In these things, it's very important, but there are other things that are more important.

"I am in contact with him and suggested to him to leave this game out because I know how close he was to his family. We need to respect his decision that he made to play against Liverpool when he showed great commitment to the team."

Chelsea need a win to close the three-point gap at the top of the table and Sir Alex Ferguson claimed today the advantage is with the home team because of the extra day's rest they have had following the Champions League semi-finals.

Ferguson said: "The fixture is not fair in terms of the timing between the two games. Chelsea had a Tuesday fixture [against Liverpool] followed by a Wednesday one, so they have four days to get themselves ready for both games. There is no question that is a big advantage because, unfortunately, all we have are 60 hours.

"It happened to us last year as well when we came back after the Milan game straight into a lunchtime match with Manchester City.

"It is not fair but once you shake hands with the devil there is nothing you can do about it."

Grant may care to remind Ferguson that Chelsea were forced to play two games in four days last week following the demands of Sky Television.

The Scot knows, though, that a win for United tomorrow would all but clinch the title again as Chelsea would have to make up a six-point deficit and huge goal difference with only two games to play.

Grant is hoping for a strong performance from referee Alan Wiley at the Bridge, having felt robbed in his first game in charge when he lost 2-0 and John Obi Mikel was sent off and United were also awarded a penalty by Mike Dean. Grant added: "We didn't play bad, but we lost to the referee in this game. I don't like to speak about referees, but I remember this one."

The Chelsea boss believes his side have been given added motivation from 12 months ago, when they had to give United a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge after they had already claimed the title.

He said: "We know the pictures from last year and we don't want them to clinch the title here - we don't want them to take it at all.

"The players are motivated and Manchester United know it will not be easy to beat us. It's always a big game and we want to win."

Chelsea face the danger of seeing their season end in the space of five days as they are playing the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool on Wednesday.

But Grant said: "I am thinking positively, not negatively. The pressure is good and I hope I have a week like this all my life. It is exciting for everybody and I want to enjoy it."