Under-pressure
Louis Van Gaal faces a massive test as his Manchester United side host
Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday evening as speculation over his
future at Old Trafford continues.
The Red Devils haven't won in the top flight since November 21, and have
lost their last three league games - including Saturday's 2-0 defeat to
Stoke.
They have slipped to sixth in the Premier League table - three points behind
Spurs in fourth and six behind local rivals Manchester City in third.
But the Manchester United manager has checked in to the team hotel as normal
and is expected to be in charge for the crunch match.
Chelsea's season has been markedly worse, with new interim manager Guus
Hiddink taking charge of his second game back at the Stamford Bridge helm
after a 2-2 draw against an in-form Watford on Boxing Day.
The Blues remain just two points above the relegation zone - sitting in 15th
place - and are 10 points behind their opponents on Monday evening.
Team news
Van Gaal must decide whether to restore captain Wayne Rooney to his side
after the Manchester United captain came off the bench for the second half
at the Britannia, but was unable to turn the tide.
Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger returns from suspension for the game
against the Blues and defender Matteo Darmian has a chance of making his
return from a hamstring injury, but Jesse Lingard (hamstring), Marcos Rojo
(shoulder), Antonio Valencia (foot) and Luke Shaw (leg) are out.
For Chelsea, Hiddink is without Diego Costa for Monday's trip to Old
Trafford after the striker picked up a suspension in the draw against
Watford.
The Dutchman has also spoken of his belief that Radamel Falcao lacks match
fitness, so Loic Remy is likely to start in Costa's absence.
Eden Hazard and Jon Obi Mikel came on as substitutes against Watford so are
in contention to start - possibly at the expense of Cesc Fabregas, who came
off at half-time.
Opta stats
The last three fixtures between these two sides at Old Trafford in the
Premier League have produced just three goals in total.
Chelsea have inflicted more defeats over Manchester United in the Premier
League than any other club (16).
Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in their final Premier League game
of 2012, 2013 and 2014.
The Blues are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with
Manchester United (W3 D2).
Wayne Rooney has scored six goals in his last 11 Premier League starts
against Chelsea.
There have been five red cards in the last six Premier League meetings
between these two sides - three to Chelsea, two to Manchester United.
Manchester United have won just four of their last 10 Premier League home
games (W4 D4 L2).
The Red Devils have kept six clean sheets and conceded just three goals in
their eight Premier League home games in 2015-16.
Guus Hiddink has won his last three competitive meetings with Louis van
Gaal; all with PSV against AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands in 2005-06.
Merson's prediction
It was another bad day for Manchester United on Boxing Day and with Chelsea
improving, the roles have sort of been reversed.
Chelsea, now under Guus Hiddink, are rolling along and I expect that to
continue at OId Trafford, although the absence of Diego Costa through
suspension is a big blow. I'm going for a clear away win by two goals to
nil.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
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