Preview: Manchester United vs. Chelsea

By Darren Plant | 24 Oct 2014 17:27, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:10

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that his team can catch Chelsea in the Premier League table despite starting their fixture on Sunday afternoon 10 points adrift in sixth place.

United are paying the price for a slow start under the Dutchman, but 10 points from five matches have boosted the morale at Old Trafford ahead of the visit of the leaders.

Angel di Maria is likely to overcome a thigh problem to start against the Blues, while Ander Herrera has been declared fit despite aggravating a rib problem in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

Michael Carrick is also pushing for a starting role after returning to the first-team squad at The Hawthorns, but Wayne Rooney sits out one again as he continues to serve his three-match ban.

Van Gaal must also decide whether to recall striker Radamel Falcao, who was relegated to the substitutes' bench for the last game.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho told reporters on Friday afternoon that striker Diego Costa has a "little chance" of featuring in the game in the North-West.

The Spanish international, who has scored nine goals in as many games since his move from Atletico Madrid, has been suffering with a hamstring problem and a virus but he could make the bench after returning to training on Friday.

Mourinho's striking options have been hit by the absence of Loic Remy, but Didier Drogba is fit as he searches for his first league goal since his return to the club.

Filipe Luis will start at left-back after Cesar Azpilicueta was sent off in the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last Saturday, while Thibaut Courtois and Gary Cahill will return after being rested for the Champions League triumph over Maribor.