Football: Ballack wants a gap year.

Byline: By MARTIN LIPTON 

MICHAEL BALLACK last night called on his Chelsea team - mates to give Manchester United a taste of their own title medicine.

Ballack's two years at Chelsea have seen them yield a decisive advantage to United in the opening months of the season, leaving too big a gap to make up. But now Chelsea have the chance to move nine points clear of their rivals when the teams clash on Sunday.

And Ballack, who scored the winner in last season's 2-1 league victory at the Bridge, urged Chelsea to take full advantage.

The Germany star said: "It's very early in the season, of course, but it's such a big game and if you look at the table we can make a big step.

They have played a game less but it's a big chance to make a gap between us.

"Last season we gave them the advantage early on and could never get it back.

"It's never easy if you're always behind and have to close the gap, from nine to six points, especially if you find yourself playing the day after them as we did last season."