Eden
Hazard is expected to return to the starting line-up for Chelsea's
Super
Sunday clash at home to Manchester United.
Hazard began his first game since a groin injury at MK Dons in the FA Cup
last weekend and is anticipated to make his first Premier League start for
five weeks against United, live on
Sky Sports.
The reigning champions will be looking to continue their recent revival
under interim boss Guus Hiddink, who has guided the club to an eight-game
unbeaten run since taking over from Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
United, meanwhile, have enjoyed a revival of sorts themselves, with a
morale-boosting midweek victory over Stoke easing some of the scrutiny
surrounding the club.
Louis van Gaal is still without a number of first-team players as he goes in
search of his first victory over Chelsea since being in the Old Trafford
hotseat.
Defender Phil Jones (ankle) is close to returning to action, but the game at
Stamford Bridge comes too soon for him.
Team news
Pedro (groin) is expected to be fit after missing Chelsea's midweek draw at
Watford, but Loic Remy (calf) and fellow striker Radamel Falcao (thigh)
remain out and Alexandre Pato is not yet match fit so will not be in the
squad.
For United, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and
Bastian Schweinsteiger remain on the sidelines while there could be a doubt
over midfielder Marouane Fellaini after a knock in the midweek win over
Stoke.
Opta stats
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against
Manchester United (W3 D3).
Manchester United have lost more often to Chelsea than any other opponent in
the Premier League era (16 times).
Man Utd have won just one of their last 13 Premier League trips to Stamford
Bridge (W1 D4 L8).
Chelsea have drawn their last three Premier League games at Stamford Bridge
- they have never drawn four in a row on home soil in the history of the
competition.
There have been four red cards shown in the last five Premier League games
between these two teams played at Stamford Bridge.
Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in his last five Premier League
appearances; more than he had managed in his previous 25 apps in the
competition (4). Rooney has been involved in eight of the Red Devils' last
10 league goals (five goals, three assists).
Juan Mata has gone 12 games without registering a goal or assist - his
longest spell without a goal involvement in his Premier League career.
Chelsea are on the current longest unbeaten run in the Premier League, going
without a defeat in eight league matches now (W3 D5 L0). Despite this, they
still haven't recorded back-to-back wins in the league this season.
Guus Hiddink is unbeaten in his last five competitive contests with Dutch
compatriot Louis van Gaal, winning four and drawing one.
The Chelsea boss has lost just one Premier League game in his 20 matches at
the club (W13 D6 L1).
Merson's prediction
Big game and a great way to end the weekend - a proper Super Sunday clash!
Chelsea haven't got much to play for - they can't win the league or get top
four - so I was surprised they didn't open the game up at Watford and have a
go. That's been disappointing really.
United probably had less possession than they've had all season against
Stoke and they won 3-0. Michael Carrick's return was key, he got the ball
forward quick and provided better service. This will be a good game, and I
fancy Chelsea to edge this one.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-2
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