Scholes will be out of action until the New Year with a groin injury.
United have failed to win at Chelsea in the league since 2002 and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted the importance of the result at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s a big one for us,” he told the club’s official site.
“Our record down there has been poor over the last eight years. We’ve managed a few draws, but we’ve lost a few too.
“They’re a tough team to beat on their own ground, their home record tells you that. But I’m going into the game with a strong, confident squad.
“You want to go there in good form and we are in good form.”
