Manchester United v Chelsea

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney could be recalled after he was only named as a substitute against Stoke.

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger returns from suspension and defender Matteo Darmian could be available following a hamstring injury.

Chelsea will be without striker Diego Costa, who is suspended for accumulating five bookings this season.

Eden Hazard could return to the starting line-up after making his comeback from the bench on Saturday.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Guy Mowbray: "In most other years this would be THE game of the Christmas and New Year schedule, but whilst still being a must-see, it might belong better in the Radio Times' drama listings.

"'Dutch Masters', 'Clash of the (failing) Titans' or 'Louis' Last Stand?' Give it any title you want and see the ratings soar.

"After his 'second debut' draw against Watford, Guus Hiddink said he hopes his side 'show the same ambition' at Old Trafford.

"For his own sake, it's to be hoped that Louis van Gaal feels the same way.

"At Stoke he said United's players 'didn't dare to play our football'. He's got to double-dare them now."

Twitter: @Guymowbray 

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

How will Louis van Gaal play this game? He will be safety first, everyone will sit in and they can't really buy a goal at the moment. He is not playing well but Wayne Rooney will have to come back in, why you would drop him for a game like Stoke away I have no idea.

The Van Gaal story will roll on and on but this looks like a bore draw to me.

• Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in ourPredictor game.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight league and cup games against Manchester United (W5, D3).
• The Blues have won six Premier League games at Old Trafford - more than any other visiting side.
• Five players have been sent off in the last six league meetings.

Manchester United

• United have lost four competitive matches in a row during a single season for the first time since October-November 1961.
• They have lost three successive league games and are without a win in seven matches in all competitions.
• Louis van Gaal's side have averaged just 1.22 goals per game in the league this season, which is their lowest tally in a league campaign since 1989-90 (1.21).
• However, they have the division's best defensive home record, conceding just three goals.

Chelsea

• Chelsea are aiming to go three league games without defeat for the first time this season.
• The Blues have taken just five points from the last 27 available away from home.
• They are without an away victory in the league since beating West Brom in August.
• Chelsea have scored just twice in their last four league away matches.
• Guus Hiddink has won his last three competitive meetings with Louis van Gaal, all with PSV against AZ Alkmaar in 2005-06.