MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson believes Chelsea hold the key to the outcome of this season's Premier League title race.

The Manchester United manager's side top the table by five points from their London rivals with seven games of the league season left.

But before the campaign ends United travel to Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground on April 26 where the Blues haven't lost in the league for 78 matches - an English home record.

"I think Chelsea hold the key - especially because we go to their place, where they've got a formidable record," Ferguson told his club's official website, www.manutd.com.

Chelsea's run looked under threat last weekend when capital rivals Arsenal took the lead at the Bridge but Avram Grant's men recovered to win 2-1 after two goals from Didier Drogba and so leapfrog the Gunners into second spot.

"We've established a good lead but we're not taking anything for granted - we have to carry on playing the way we have been," Ferguson added.

"I've said all along, the team who shows real consistency between now and the end of the season will win the league."

United, who are looking to win back-to-back titles, strengthened their grip on top spot with a 3-0 win at home to Liverpool on Sunday and Ferguson said: "We've developed this season, and I think you saw that maturity reach its peak in our win over Liverpool.

"We've retained last season's consistency; we're challenging for the league - and we're in the quarter-finals of the Champions League (where they play AS Roma)."

Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, who play one another, have also made it through to the last eight of the Champions League.