Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is not worried by Sir Alex Ferguson's statement that Manchester United are still in the title hunt.
The Red Devils cut the gap at the top of the table to nine points with a win over West Ham in midweek and Ferguson has suggested the race is still on.
Both sides face tricky away trips on Saturday, with Blues heading to Birmingham and United venturing to Bolton.
Chelsea have the chance to put a nail into United's coffin, as they face Birmingham on PremPlus at lunchtime, but defeat combined with a win for The Red Devils would cut the gap to six points.
"It could be a pivotal weekend if Chelsea were to drop points," said Ferguson. "Football is such an extraordinary game and so full of surprises you just never know.
"That is why I have said all along we want to be closest to Chelsea if they do collapse. I still maintain that stance."
Mourinho has countered the Scot's comments by insisting the gap is too big for even Ferguson's in-form United to erode.
"Nine points behind I think is a big gap," the Portuguese tactician told Chelsea TV. "If I was in their position, I would be happy with the last couple of months, where they are playing good and winning matches, but very concerned about the distance.
"Nine points with seven matches to go - I am not thinking they are very close to us.
"Of course we have to chase the points we need, we cannot wait for them to drop points, but nine points in the reality of modern football is a big gap."
The Red Devils cut the gap at the top of the table to nine points with a win over West Ham in midweek and Ferguson has suggested the race is still on.
Both sides face tricky away trips on Saturday, with Blues heading to Birmingham and United venturing to Bolton.
Chelsea have the chance to put a nail into United's coffin, as they face Birmingham on PremPlus at lunchtime, but defeat combined with a win for The Red Devils would cut the gap to six points.
"It could be a pivotal weekend if Chelsea were to drop points," said Ferguson. "Football is such an extraordinary game and so full of surprises you just never know.
"That is why I have said all along we want to be closest to Chelsea if they do collapse. I still maintain that stance."
Mourinho has countered the Scot's comments by insisting the gap is too big for even Ferguson's in-form United to erode.
"Nine points behind I think is a big gap," the Portuguese tactician told Chelsea TV. "If I was in their position, I would be happy with the last couple of months, where they are playing good and winning matches, but very concerned about the distance.
"Nine points with seven matches to go - I am not thinking they are very close to us.
"Of course we have to chase the points we need, we cannot wait for them to drop points, but nine points in the reality of modern football is a big gap."
