Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect the Barclays Premier League title race to take shape until after the next international break.

Ferguson's side head to Chelsea on Sunday knowing their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2002 will allow them to jump back to the top of the table.

It would put them in prime position for the resumption of domestic hostilities on November 21 after which, FA Cup weekends apart, the battle will take place on a regular basis until a conclusion is reached on May 9.

So, while there is a lot of jostling taking place, with Arsenal impressing and Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham looking most likely to exploit Liverpool's weaknesses, Ferguson feels it is something of a phoney war.

"The Premier League does not settle until all the internationals are over," he said.

"Once we get over this next bout of internationals we will probably see a truer league."