Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has pinpointed Chelsea over Arsenal as the greater threat to their pursuit of a 19th league title.

After the weekend's games, Chelsea's 3-1 win over Birmingham lifted them to second in the table over Arsenal, who drew 3-3 at Tottenham, on goal difference. Though Chelsea and Arsenal are both six points behind United with 5 games left, Sir Alex believes Chelsea's greater mental strength and experience compared to Arsenal will help the Blues pose a challenge.

Arsenal are the better footballers but Chelsea are the better, stronger team, Ferguson said. Looking at the two of them, Chelsea are far more experienced than Arsenal - far more experienced, a strong team, strong experience. That's the difference between the two teams.

Two months back, Fergie had assessed that his main rival was Arsenal, since Chelsea were far back in fifth on occasions. However, Arsenal have faltered and have won only one of their last six league matches not including losses in the Carling Cup final, and eliminations in the FA Cup at the hands of United and the Champions League by Barcelona. On the contrary, Chelsea have won six of their last seven league matches and the run of form has seen them move back into the title race, with five games remaining.

Both are six points behind us, both are our challengers. I have that slight preference for Chelsea because their fixture list is a wee bit easier. They were odds-on at one point for the Premier League and then they hit that blip (winning 10 points in 11 league games). Credit to us because we took advantage of that.

(Chelsea) have to come to Old Trafford and that's not going to be easy for them. He added.

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