Football
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Louis van Gaal: Chelsea would take draw against Manchester United

Louis van Gaal believes Premier League leaders Chelsea will be content to avoid defeat against his in-form Manchester United side when they meet on Saturday.

United have won their last six league games but go to Stamford Bridge without four injured players -- Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Phil Jones -- and the suspended Jonny Evans.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season, and Van Gaal feels his former Barcelona assistant Jose Mourinho would be happy to extend that run by settling for a point on Saturday.

"I think Chelsea will be satisfied with a draw, but of course they want to beat us and we want to beat them," he told a news conference.

Chelsea have a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League and, with second-placed Arsenal playing in the FA Cup this weekend, have a chance to extend their advantage.

United currently find themselves eight points behind Chelsea, having played one game more, but Van Gaal again refused to completely rule out the possibility of his side ending the season as champions.

"It is still possible. I have said that already before but it is not logical, but it is possible," he said. "It is more when and if, and I don't believe in when and if. I believe in facts.

"The fact is we are behind Chelsea, but alright we have to play against them, so does Arsenal, so we can lay pressure on Chelsea's shoulders, that's true and then you never know. You have seen that also in previous Premier League seasons so it is always possible. I cannot say it is not possible but it is not logical."

Van Gaal confirmed that Juan Mata will start on his first return to Stamford Bridge since leaving Chelsea for United in January 2014.

The Spain international was Chelsea's Player of the Year in both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, before losing his place after Mourinho's appointment and being sold to United for £37.1 million.

"Normally I always put players in the lineup if they've played for the opponent, so I think Mata shall play," Van Gaal added.

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