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Angel Di Maria and Cesc Fabregas will need no introductions for this game. The two are well versed in facing each other on the pitch, having battled in La Liga when Di Maria was at Real Madrid and Fabregas at Barcelona.

Both have been key for their respective sides in the Premier League this season, but who will come out on top in this meeting between the two?

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on the absence of Diego Costa and Loic Remy: "We have our objectives and the fact we don't have a couple of players doesn't make that change - we are going to try and play the best possible way and get the best possible result. Didier [Drogba] is a different player than the others and we will try to adapt to the great striker he is.

"[Louis van Gaal] was fantastic for me in the beginning of my career - such a helpful person both as my boss but also for my family. My kids were born when I was working with him so we have much more than football."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Manchester City goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel: "For Manchester United's David De Gea to become a more dominant goalkeeper, I think that he needs a better defence in front of him. For a couple of years now Manchester United has lacked a strong, reliable rearguard that plays higher up the pitch.

"That gives De Gea plenty of time to show off his shot-stopping, but it is difficult to command your area without the understanding and confidence in the players in front of you."

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Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator at Old Trafford

"Surprisingly, given their A-list CVs, the two managers have only been in opposing dug-outs once before in a competitive fixture - the 2010 Champions League final won by Jose Mourinho's Inter against Louis Van Gaal's Bayern. Neither man will have forgotten.

"Both sides have improved on last season, but with Wayne Rooney suspended, and especially if Diego Costa plays, I expect Mourinho to be consoling Van Gaal, his boss during their time at Barcelona, at full-time."

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on Jose Mourinho: "I have a relationship with every person I meet. But he is special.

"I knew him when he was my assistant. He had to analyse all the matches and he came every week to my house to explain so I know him very well. The respect and confidence grew and when you have that in people it mostly ends in friendship.

"I think what I see in his teams is the same as I do [in mine]. But he is further in the process - you can see that - but we can win today."

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Old Trafford

"General exasperation here at another injury for Manchester United defender Phil Jones - indeed Louis van Gaal's defenders almost seem to be injured on a rotation basis. Presents a real problem for Louis van Gaal as he attempts to bring about a measure of stability."

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Louis van Gaal had Jose Mourinho working under him during his spell in charge of Barcelona between 1997 and 2000.

After working as a translator under van Gaal's predecessor Bobby Robson, Mourinho rose through the ranks under the Dutchman, who gave him a crucial chance to prove his managerial nous.

Just as at that swanky tribute dinner in honour of Mourino, there will be a lotta love on the sidelines today.

On the 19 January 2014, at London's Savoy Hotel, something rather extraordinary happened.

Louis van Gaal, at that point preparing the Netherlands for a run to the World Cup semi-finals the following summer, stood up in front of a room of his contemporaries and said the following:

"I am always portrayed as the arrogant Louis van Gaal but now I am humble. Because now he is better than me."

Who was talking about? Only the last man in need of an ego massage, Jose Mourinho.

Former Wales international Robbie Savage at Old Trafford
BBC Radio 5 live

"Diego Costa's absence is a huge blow for Chelsea, he has been on fire but Didier Drogba got his goal in midweek and performed well. I am pleased Marouane Fellaini is starting for Manchester United. He changed the game for them away to West Brom on Monday.

"If Manchester United are lacking quality in one position it would be in defensive midfield. A Nemanja Matic-type player. United have so many attacking options but Matic is so important for Chelsea. Marcos Rojo looked vulnerable against West Brom, and Chelsea's runs on the outside of him could cause real damage."

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Paul Wilson in The Observer, external has taken an in-depth look at how Manchester United have already created one record already this season.

Under Louis van Gaal - United have become the first team to use 30 different players in their first eight Premier League games.

Hull are the next highest on the squad rotation table with 25 and the previous record after eight games was held by both QPR and Arsenal at 27, just two years ago.

Charlie in Shrewsbury: Am I the only Chelsea fan thinking we may be better off with Didier Drogba in this game? His aerial threat will be key against a small Manchester United defence. The pace can come from the players around him.

Gaurav, East London: Both benches look very weak. Perhaps Andre Schurrle is the only one who can make a big impact in a big game! Something tells me that Jose Mourinho won't need him though!

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Old Trafford

"Two of the big name strikers may be missing in Manchester United's Radamel Falcao and Chelsea's Diego Costa but still an array of talent and hardly an undercard left behind here at Old Trafford. If Eden Hazard has been the creative hub for Chelsea, Angel Di Maria has performed a similar take for manager Louis van Gaal.

"And there is a big chance for Marouane Fellaini to finally build on the favourable impression he created with his goal in the 2-2 draw at West Brom after spending his first 12 months as an Old Trafford misfit following his £27m move from Everton."

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Posing like a Mancunian Christ the Redeemer, this scarf-seller will have a near-capacity crowd to flog his wares to today.

He will still have a job to shift that pink number. And I'm not sure that many United fans, with their star-studded attacking line-up, will be keeping their necks warm with Marcos Rojo this winter.

Kevin, Hornchurch: If Daniel Levy had any decency he would resign and go now. He has meddled and continually failed Spurs. Even when we were at our peak under him he got rid of Harry! He is not a football man he is a businessman. Please just go.

Gavin, Birmingham: What's happened to Spurs? It's not just Gareth Bale going that's made the difference, we've regressed so far the last two seasons it makes me very depressed and angry.

Rhys, Suffolk: Newcastle looked like a different side today. Much improved in all areas of the field.

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Newcastle goalscorer Sammy Ameobi: "It was good to get on - I actually told Jack Colback to get the ball into the corner from the kick-off. To get out of the relegation zone gives us a great lift."

Defender Steven Taylor: "The goal for Ayoze Perez has been coming. He's worked hard in training. He did very good and held the ball up well."

Vinny Person:, external Newcastle pulled off one of the best smash and grabs I've ever witnessed at White Hart Lane last season. This time, they were well worth the three points.

Harry McCombe:, external Bring Harry Redknapp back. At least then the players showed some passion. He'd sort the team out.

Kiriama16:, external Where was Erik Lamela and his rabona?

The ripples from those two results are mostly in the lower half of the Premier League table.

Newcastle climb out of the relegation zone and up to 14th. Burnley can only dream of such lofty perches.

Tottenham meanwhile are in danger of flat-lining in 11th.

Everton move on up and out of shot. They are ninth with 12 points.

Former England manager Graham Taylor at White Hart Lane
BBC Radio 5 live

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"Spurs could have won the game by half-time had they got the shots in, but there were hardly any at all. And in the second half they were nowhere near the team they were during the first 45 minutes. A complete change of attitude and approach by Newcastle won them this game and they deserve to win.

"Newcastle should be given credit for coming back into the game. They listened to the changes their manager made and the biggest disappointment was Spurs' response. I'd be concerned about that. You have to show more passion and more care and I don't think Tottenham have done that."

Jony Leibowitz:, external As a Spurs fan, I've never been less impressed with the attitude and ability of a squad. Last three years have been poor.