Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Old Trafford

Louis van Gaal marches down the touchline returning the applause he receives from many Manchester United fans.

Will what he writes on that trademark clipboard today amount to a resignation note?

Off we go. A huge 90 minutes ahead for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal might be under pressure but he gets a decent reception from the United fans as he makes his way along the touchline to the bench. He waves to fans and they respond with applause.

However, there are several anti-Van Gaal banners in the crowd.

Image source, Reuters

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at OId Trafford

"This was the game that has defined Premier League seasons in the recent past - today it might define Louis van Gaal's future as Manchester United manager.

Chelsea are in limbo under temporary manager Guus Hiddink (again) while his fellow countryman Van Gaal desperately needs a win.

The Old Trafford DJ is doing his best to rev things up but at the moment the atmosphere reflects the mood of these two teams and sets of supporters - low-key and subdued."

Image source, Getty Images

These Jose Mourinho Manchester United scarfs on sale outside Old Trafford have caused a stir. Some United fans have taken to social media to brand them a disgrace. What do you think? Tongue-in-cheek or out of order?

Tweet #bbcfootball, , externalpost a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page, external or text 81111 (UK only)

The teams are in the tunnel...

Image source, .

Chelsea started the day 15th in the table but have dropped to 16th - two points above the relegation zone - following the 15:00 GMT games. United are sixth in the table - nine points behind leaders Leicester City.

Gary does have a point. Scholes is looking a little grizzly in the BT Sport studio.

Chelsea do not have a recognised striker in their side. Diego Costa is suspended, Loic Remy is injured so Eden Hazard is expected to lead the forward line.

Kurt Zouma replaces Gary Cahill, who has a foot injury and in the other change from Boxing Day, John Mikel Obi will play alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield having come on at half-time for Cesc Fabregas against Watford. Fabregas is not involved because of illness.  

Image source, BBC Sport

Forward Wayne Rooney returns as captain, in one of four changes made to United's starting line-up by Louis van Gaal. Also back is defender Matteo Darmian and midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, with Michael Carrick, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini and Memphis Depay dropping to the bench.

Image source, BBC Sport

Former United players Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand are in the BT Sport studio at Old Trafford. Neither think Louis van Gaal should be sacked if United lose today.

"Performances throughout the season have not been good enough," says Scholes. "I think he should be given the chance to turn it around."

Will Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink get his revenge?

Image source, .

Half an hour to kick-off and Sir Alex Ferguson is here. The former United boss turned up nice and early in a chauffeur-driven car and even managed a smile and a wave to the waiting cameras. Not sure Louis van Gaal is feeling so chirpy.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Old Trafford

In his programme notes for tonight's meeting with Chelsea at OId Trafford, embattled Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is in defiant mood.

He writes: "We can turn this situation around. This is Manchester United, a club which is known around the world for never being beaten and I have confidence in the players, the staff and myself that we can do this and begin to once again reward you all."

Will that be the speech after the game?

Image source, @manutd

Guy Mowbray
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"In most other years this would be THE game of the Christmas and New Year schedule, but whilst still being a must-see, it might belong better in the Radio Times' drama listings.

"'Dutch Masters', 'Clash of the (failing) Titans' or 'Louis' Last Stand?' Give it any title you want and see the ratings soar.

"After his 'second debut' draw against Watford, Guus Hiddink said he hopes his side 'show the same ambition' at Old Trafford.

"For his own sake, it's to be hoped that Louis van Gaal feels the same way.

"At Stoke he said United's players 'didn't dare to play our football'. He's got to double-dare them now."

As always, thousands of fans arrived early to greet Manchester United's team coach outside Old Trafford. Biggest cheer by far was reserved for Wayne Rooney while Louis van Gaal, dressed in a smart suit and club tie, did not hang around as he quickly made his way to the dressing room.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Old Trafford

Image source, PA

"He's everywhere - but is Jose Mourinho lurking on Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal's shoulder? Seems these merchandise sellers outside Old Trafford have already decided who will soon be at The Theatre Of Dreams.

Image source, .

Louis van Gaal's fate hangs on the outcome of today's game, according to the Guardian., external The report claims that defeat at Old Trafford is likely to bring the Dutchman's reign to an early end.

Image source, .

Monday's back pages do not make good reading for Louis van Gaal. The Daily Mirror says he does not know if he can motivate them out of their slump while Jose Mourinho has been offered the Real Madrid job, external while he waits for United.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Old Trafford

Having tried and lost without Wayne Rooney at Stoke City, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal restores his captain to the starting line-up against Chelsea.

Like his team-mates, Rooney has looked short on spark and inspiration this season. Van Gaal needs him to rediscover it today.