Monday 28 December 2015 20:41, UK
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.
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)
Betting
Manchester United are Sky Bet's 6/4 favourites on Monday evening with Chelsea 19/10 while the draw is priced at 11/5. Fresh from correctly predicting eight out of 10 correct results on Boxing Day, Phil Thompson is backing Anthony Martial to score first in a 1-1 draw at 28/1. Wayne Rooney heads a wide-open first goalscorer market at 11/2, while Loic Remy considered the Blues' main threat at 13/2 in Diego Costa's absence.
