JOIN USConfident United look to rein in Chelsea
Hopes of a suspenseful conclusion to the Premier League title race rest this weekend on Manchester United, who take their six-game winning streak to champions-elect Chelsea on Saturday.
Chelsea looked set to drop points at Queens Park Rangers last weekend, only for Cesc Fabregas's 88th-minute goal to earn a 1-0 win that restored their seven-point lead over second-place Arsenal with a game in hand.
As things stand, Jose Mourinho's side require only 12 points from their seven remaining matches to secure a first league title since 2010.
While a collapse seems unlikely, victory for United would present Arsenal with a chance to trim Chelsea's lead to just four points when Arsene Wenger's team tackle their London rivals at the Emirates Stadium on April 26. With United only a point behind Arsenal, a win might also nourish their own title ambitions, but for Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill, both matches simply represent obstacles that must be checked off.
"They're good games, they're mouth-watering games and everyone is looking forward to them," said the England international. "We've chalked another one off against QPR and we're taking those steps.
"We're playing against an in-form Manchester United team, but we're playing at Stamford Bridge and they're playing against a very good team. It should be a great game."
There injury worry for United as midfielder Michael Carrick has a calf problem, Daley Blind sustained an ankle injury in a hefty challenge from City captain Vincent Kompany and defenders Phil Jones and Marcus Rojo also picked up knocks.
"It is the worst scenario," Van Gaal told a news conference on Friday."Marcos and Phil can both play left central defender and Jonny Evans is also suspended so I do not have many choices.
"Daley Blind and Michael Carrick could play as a holding midfield player and I do not have another option. It is a puzzle."
Van Gaal may deploy captain Wayne Rooney in midfield alongside former Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata.
Leaders, Chelsea travel to Arsenal the following week, so winning their next three games would secure the title.
"What's in my mind is just to win three points against Manchester United," Mourinho told a news conference on Friday. "After that we'll see what happens."
In relaxed and good-humoured mood, the Portuguese did admit there was no problem motivating players for games like Saturday's.
"To play against Manchester United is to play against one of biggest clubs in the world. This is the game everybody wants to play in. It is an easy job. Everyone is excited to play."
Mourinho said French striker Loic Remy could be fit and that Spain's Diego Costa would resume training with the rest of the squad next week -- meaning he could return from a hamstring injury earlier than expected.
Fixtures: Stoke vs Southampton, Crystal Palace vs West Bromwich Albion; Everton vs Burnley; Leicester vs Swansea (all 7.30 pm); Chelsea vs Manchester United (10.00 pm).