Michael Ballack insists the outcome of the title race could be decided at Stamford Bridge with Manchester United and Arsenal still to visit.Ballack scored a first-half headed winner against Reading on Wednesday night to keep Chelsea just four points behind leaders Manchester United.

The victory stretched Chelsea's unbeaten home league run to a remarkable 75 games and they also equalled a club record of nine straight wins in all competitions set by Jose Mourinho's side in 2005.

But now Ballack says that Chelsea's home form will be the key to the title with both Arsenal and Manchester United yet to visit 'Fortress Bridge'.

Chelsea entertain Arsenal in March and play their showdown clash with Sir Alex Ferguson's side on April 26 and Ballack believes the games will be crucial towards deciding the destination of the title.

"The top teams cannot afford to relax and there is no room for error," said Ballack. "It is a good season for the fans because it is very close and open.

"We hope to take our chance if they slip up but we have to wait and maybe this season the big games will decide it.

"The title could be decided at Stamford Bridge and when these games come we hope to have one or two important players back. I think we have what it takes.

"The games we lost against United and Arsenal this season were very close and were away. In these big games you always have a little advantage if you play at home. You should use this advantage and we want to do that.

"Everybody believes in their stadium and we do to, especially with our record. Nobody else has this. It has an effect of other teams. We are very strong at home and everybody knows this.

"We do not want to give away our record and will fight for it, especially in those games. We have some very experienced players who have been showing that on the pitch and in the dressing room.

"Everybody looks to these players and to Claude Makelele especially. He is always very positive. In this period he has shown a lot of strength and that is very important for everybody.

"We have had problems all season so we cannot get our heads down and complain about injuries. We have to deal with it and have shown we can. Winning the last nine games shows the strength of the team and the mentality."

England midfielder Frank Lampard, recovering from a thigh problem, could be back for their trip to Portsmouth at the weekend sparking fresh speculation that Ballack will be the man to step down.

But the Germany international insists they can both play in the same Chelsea side.

"Frank is a very good player and we need him," said Ballack. "We will have one more option when he is back and we hope that is soon. He has scored a lot of goals and it is not about him, or me or anyone else in midfield. It is always good to have good players in your team.

"I have no problems playing with anybody. It is better to have a good player by your side than a bad one. I think we can put all the doubts to bed. We have played a lot of games together and it is not a problem."

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