Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has delivered a snub to his former club Manchester United by describing Chelsea as the 'best team in the Premier League'.

The Uruguayan hitman, who spent two largely frustrating years at Old Trafford between 2002 and 2004, is set to go head-to-head with the Blues on Wednesday night as they meet in Group D of the UEFA Champions League.

A tricky trip to Stamford Bridge is the last thing Los Colchoneros will have wanted though, having been humiliated 3-0 by Osasuna at the weekend which leaves them languishing in 15th place in La Liga after only one win in seven.

Forlan, 30, admits Atletico will face a mammoth task against Chelsea as he believes the experiece within their ranks and the tactical nous of coach Carlo Ancelotti makes them the dominant force in English football at present.

"Chelsea have more quality, are more experienced and are a much bigger threat than they were in my time at United," Forlan said in the Daily Mirror.

"They lost at the weekend (against Aston Villa), but, for me, they are the best team in the Premier League. With the arrival of Ancelotti, he has made them stronger in defence and more dangerous going forward.

"Ancelotti has really motivated players like (Didier) Drogba, (Michael) Ballack and (Nicolas) Anelka. The absence of Drogba for the Champions League makes it difficult for them and is good for us."