( L - R ) Jonathan Woodgate of Middlesbrough and Chelsea's Didier Drogba - file photos

MANCHESTER, England, (Reuters)

Middlesbrough could play an unlikely role in the Premier League title race this weekend when they take on champions Chelsea at Stam-ford Bridge.

A week after spiking Arsenal's guns with a 1-1 draw at the Riverside, Boro could do Manchester United a bigger favour by holding a Chelsea side who could only manage a 1-0 win over relegation battlers Charlton Athletic last weekend.

Chelsea remain six points adrift of Alex Ferguson's league leaders and Boro, with a defence marshalled by England returnee Jonathan Woodgate, have not lost a game since December.

They also have a creditable 0-0 draw at in-form Portsmouth, a thumping 5-1 home victory over Bolton Wanderers and a win at Charlton to show for their three league outings before the draw at Arsenal.

Terry returns, Bridge gone

Chelsea's defence faces yet another reshuffle as the good news about skipper John Terry's return at centre-half, albeit only for a few minutes against Charlton, has been offset by the loss in midweek of defender Wayne Bridge.

His thigh injury suffered at Manchester United's training ground on England duty has left Chelsea without both left backs, Ashley Cole having damaged his knee just days earlier.

Better news was the continued good form of Chelsea's main striker Didier Drogba, who scored Ivory Coast's winner in their friendly against Guinea this week.

Manchester United, with 63 points on the board to Charlton's 20, are unlikely to show the Addicks any mercy at Old Trafford.

UNITED READY

Striker Wayne Rooney, ruled out of England's friendly against Spain by a back injury, should be fit, while winger Cristiano Ronaldo will have been lifted by Portugal's 2-0 friendly win over Brazil.

Playmaker Paul Scholes, long retired from international football, will have recharged his batteries.

Third-placed Liverpool, who are on 50 points seven behind Chelsea, are at Newcastle United in their first game since U.S. sports tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks agreed to take over the club.

Steven Gerrard, who led England out as captain in Terry's absence in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Spain, is bound to try and rouse the Reds for a winning start under the club's new owners.

Arsenal, with 46 points, but a game in hand on Liverpool, are at home to Wigan Athletic, who ended their eight-match losing league run by beating Portsmouth last week.

Bolton, ready to pounce if Arsenal falter in the race for a Champions League qualifying slot, host Fulham in the other game on Sunday.