As an experienced player on football's top stages, Deco believes this weekend's visit of Manchester United is as big as they come.

The former Barcelona playmaker has taken part in his fair share of important domestic clashes down the years, be it Porto v Benfica or Barcelona v Real Madrid, and insists this is an equally important fixture.

'It's a big one like Madrid v Barcelona, this kind of game is easy for the coach, he does not need to talk a lot about the game,' smiled the 32-year-old. 'Every player wants to play this kind of game and our confidence is good.

'I think it is difficult to play against us in our home, for any club. They will not be afraid because they are a very good team but they will respect us a lot. If we had to play at Old Trafford two points behind, we would not be afraid but would have respect.

'They know we are very good but they know they can win here. It is a big game we both want to win. For me it's good to be playing at the moment but and I don't know if I will play, but if I do I can do my best.'

Deco's Portuguese international team-mate Nani may well be in the United line-up on Sunday, but the Chelsea man believes it is unfair to expect him to have the same effect as compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed for Spain in the summer.

'I think it is different. There is a pressure on Nani to replace Ronaldo which is difficult, but he has the quality,' debated the former Barça man. He is young and I think he can do well at Man U. Of course it is difficult to compare him with Ronaldo, this is not the best way. It is important for him to play and he is playing well.

'Any team wants to have the best players. Of course when a team loses an important player, one of the best in the world, it is difficult for them. Ronaldo is a fantastic player, but they still have a good squad with good players. And it isn't just Ronaldo, they lost Tevez who was also an important player.'

Of the traditional 'Top Four', it was only Chelsea that did not lose such a key figure over the summer, and have been rewarded by the return to fitness of important players, such as Deco, since the beginning of the campaign.

If selected by manager Carlo Ancelotti, the little playmaker could just make a big impact.