Chelsea - Manchester United Preview: Leaders attempt to go 10 points clear

 Which team do you think that will win this crunch battle and why? Jose Mourinho will again put his friendship with Louis van Gaal to one side on Saturday when Chelsea attempt to take another giant stride towards lifting the Premier League title.

Van Gaal takes his in-form Manchester United side to Stamford Bridge aiming to secure their first victory over the London club in eight matches.

Blues boss Mourinho worked under United manager Van Gaal at Barcelona and the duo remain good friends, as they demonstrated with embraces during and after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in October.

That will go out of the window when they pit their wits against each other this weekend, with Chelsea knowing a victory will see them move 10 points clear at the top of the table with six games remaining.

Cesc Fabregas scored the only goal of the game two minutes from time last Sunday to ensure Chelsea edged the West London derby against QPR to remain on course for their first Premier League title in five years.

Mourinho's side are unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions and look set to win two trophies in the Portuguese's second season since returning to the club from Real Madrid, having already lifted the League Cup.

With second-placed Arsenal not in Premier League action this weekend due to their FA Cup semi-final against Reading, Chelsea can tighten their grip even further on top spot by seeing off United.

Van Gaal's side also head into the game in ominous form, though, having secured a derby victory over Manchester City last Sunday to extend their winning run to six top-flight games. They can go second with a win against the leaders.

United are on course to return to the Champions League next season after beating neighbours City 4-2 at Old Trafford to move four points ahead of their Manuel Pellegrini's side.

Robin van Persie scored a stoppage-time equaliser when the two sides met earlier in the season and the Netherlands striker could make his return from an ankle injury on Saturday, while Luke Shaw (hamstring) could also feature.

United have an injury concern over Michael Carrick (calf) after the England midfielder limped out of the derby.

Chelsea will again be without leading scorer Diego Costa (hamstring) and also have a doubt over fellow striker Loic Remy (calf).