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Guus Hiddink has played down the significance of again pitting his wits against Dutch compatriot Louis van Gaal when Chelsea host Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.
The experienced coaches have each enjoyed two spells in charge of the Netherlands, while their careers have crossed paths in three different countries over the past 18 years.
Van Gaal's last victory over Hiddink came for Barcelona in a 3-0 success against Real Madrid in 1999.
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But Hiddink guided the comparatively unheralded Real Betis to a 2-1 win over Van Gaal's Barca the next year. He then reeled off three straight victories for his AZ against Van Gaal’s PSV Eindhoven in five months between October 2005 and March 2006.
The pair renewed their rivalry with a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in Hiddink's second match back at Stamford Bridge and the Chelsea manager was quick to play down the significance of their previous tussles.
"We must not overvalue the role of the managers and the coaches - they prepare the games and the opponent and the way we like to play; that's it," Hiddink said. "At the end the players have to execute what you are doing in training and in team meetings.
“We must not overvalue the battle between managers; it's a battle between the players.
"This is a big match. Big clubs through the years, both Manchester United and us like to compete for the title. They have under-performed and we are getting back on track a little bit."
Chelsea have won two and drawn five of seven Barclays Premier League matches under Hiddink and he is keen to add more triumphs to that unbeaten run.
"Of course I would like some more victories instead of the unbeaten draws, but the team is step by step more stable and now we hope to go into a beautiful spring time," he said.
Van Gaal, who described his relationship with Hiddink as "professional", is buoyed by United's 3-0 midweek victory over Stoke City.
He believes a repeat of such form could prompt a revival of title ambitions for his side, who sit 10 points off the pace in fifth with 14 matches remaining.
"I have said that only Crystal Palace and Arsenal this season were better [in matches against] Manchester United," he said. "But we have to show it in a row of games that you win. In this competition, everything is possible."
Diego Costa is again set to lead the line alone in attack for Chelsea, with Radamel Falcao (groin) and Loic Remy (calf) out.
Alexandre Pato is still building match fitness after his loan move from Corinthians, but winger Pedro is back in training following a groin complaint.
United's midfield will again be without Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has a knee injury. Phil Jones (ankle) is stepping up his recovery, while Ashley Young (groin), Marcos Rojo (shoulder), Antonio Valencia (ankle) and Luke Shaw (broken leg) remain long-term absentees.
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Chelsea (from): Begovic, Blackman, Courtois, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Djilobodji, Ivanovic, Rahman, Terry, Zouma, Fabregas, Hazard, Loftus-Cheek, Matic, Mikel, Oscar, Ramires, Traore, Willian, Costa, Kenedy, Pedro
Manchester United (from): De Gea, Romero, Johnstone, Valdes, Darmian, McNair, Smalling, Varela, Blind, Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera, Lingard, Mata, Pereira, Schneiderlin, Depay, Martial, Rooney.
Match Appointments
Referee: Michael Oliver Assistants: S Burt, G Beswick Fourth Official: C Pawson
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea winger Eden Hazard could return to the starting line-up after beginning on the bench against Watford.
Pedro is doubtful with a minor groin problem, while Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao remain injured and recent signings Alexandre Pato and Matt Miazga lack match fitness.
Manchester United could name the same team which began the win against Stoke.
The Red Devils are still without Marcos Rojo, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones and Luke Shaw.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink: "This is a big match. Big clubs through the years, both Manchester United and us like to compete for the title. They have underperformed and we are getting back on track a little bit.
"Of course I would like some more victories instead of the unbeaten draws, but the team is step by step more stable and now we hope to go to in a beautiful spring time."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: "I have the feeling that when we shall beat Chelsea - and that is not simple, that is very difficult, since Guus Hiddink has been there they don't lose any more - I think our competition, our league is starting again. That is very important.
"The competition is not yet finished, not for Manchester United or the other teams.
"We have the feeling, and that's because we are winning twice in a row and with sparkling football - with goals and clean sheets, against opponents who were in great form."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last nine league and cup games against Manchester United (W5, D4).
- The Red Devils have won just one Premier League game at Stamford Bridge since 2002 - a 3-2 victory in October 2012.
- Victory would give Chelsea their 50th win against Manchester United in all competitions.
- There have been four red cards shown in the last five Premier League games meetings at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
- The Blues could draw four successive Premier League home games for the first time.
- The last time they drew four consecutive top-flight home games was between November 1987 and January 1988, when they shared the points in five straight games at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in eight league games (W3, D5) - the longest streak in the top flight.
- However, Wednesday's draw at Watford means the Blues still have not recorded back-to-back league victories since winning the title last May.
Manchester United
- Defeat would leave Manchester United with their lowest points tally (40 points) at this stage of a Premier League season.
- Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances - more than in his previous 25 appearances.
- Rooney has been involved in eight of the Red Devils' last 10 league goals, scoring five goals and registering three assists.
- Juan Mata has gone 12 Premier League games without registering a goal or assist - his longest barren spell since arriving in the English top flight.
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