By Chris Wheeler

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Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to rule Chelsea out of the Premier League title race despite Manchester United's seven-point lead and the Stamford Bridge revolt against interim boss Rafa Benitez.

United and second-placed Manchester City extended their advantage over Chelsea in midweek after Benitez's second game in charge ended in another goalless draw.

But Ferguson believes it is too early in the a season to declare a two-horse race.

Out of sorts: Chelsea haven't tasted victory in their last six Premier League games

Out of sorts: Chelsea haven't tasted victory in their last six Premier League games

'It's coming to the end of November and I don't think you can be certain of saying it's going to be a two-horse race at this time,' he said.

'Over the years we've always hoped that the top five or six are all capable of winning the league but eventually it ends up a two-horse race. It's been like that for years, and last season there was big gap between ourselves and City.

'The important thing is to look at yourselves. You want to stay up there every time and it's not an easy league to do that.'

Tough battle: Ferguson expects Reading to put up a stern test

Tough battle: Ferguson expects Reading to put up a stern test

United were given a sharp reminder of that when they lost at Norwich a fortnight ago and Ferguson expects another tough battle at Reading tomorrow.

'Away games are getting more difficult,' he added. 'Norwich was a good example of that. They fought like tigers and were really motivated. It was a difficult day for us.

'We expected another difficult game like Norwich tomorrow. The job Brian McDermott has done there is excellent. It took him a little bit of time to get his ideas across but in the second half of last season came from nowhere to win the league.'

The comments below have not been moderated.

Going by the midweek performances of the Manchester pair, it's more a two-donkey race.

Chelsea are contenders for mid table .....Benitex the Boring will play the non striking striker ..... i just hope the games not on TV Sky'll be bankrupt with the lack of companies wishing to advertisein that game.... my money'son nil nil

Chelsea are contenders for mid table .....Benitex the Boring will play the non striking striker ..... i just hope the games not on TV Sky'll be bankrupt with the lack of companies wishing to advertisein that game.... my money'son nil nil

Not with that girly girl Torres we won't

Sad how Arsenal doesn't even get a mention these days. We have become an ordinary team, thanks to that stingy board.

Its a two horse race for the title.The Manchester clubs will be out of sight from the rest by as early as January. There's already a 6 point difference between 2nd and 3rd and I expect there to be a huge difference come the end of season, 16 - 20 points at least. The simple fact of the matter is the rest of the league is POOR and no way near as good as during the so called BIG4 era of 2004 - 2009. That's not to say its exciting and competative.

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