The under-fire Man United boss needs goals and a good display probably even more than the points as they face up to Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal is on the brink after four defeats in a row playing a brand of boring football that is only acceptable when it gets a side results.
The Blues aren't great either but look in better shape without Jose Mourinho but you wouldn't back United to beat Chiswick never mind Chelsea.
Guus Hiddink's side are a best 2-1 with McBookie and it looks decent value. Chelsea draw no bet pays 21-20 at McBookie for those sure it won't be a home win. United are 8-5 at McBookie while the draw pays 23-10 at bet365.
One problem for Hiddink is Diego Costa's ban. The Spaniard went from villain to hero to villain with two goals against Watford at the weekend but is banned after picking up his fifth booking of the season.
Under 2.5 match goals at 4-6 looks likely and for a scorer I'd consider the impressive Willian at 19-4 with Stan James.
The Premier League games come thick and fast at this time of year and that can cause problems for punters.
Best game today could be Watford v Spurs and best bet here has to be over 2.5 goals at 21-20 with McBookie. It's almost Idion Ighalo v Harry Kane and it's Ighalo who offers better value as a scorer at 12-5 with betfair.
Crystal Palace can edge out Swansea for a home win at 23-20 with McBookie. Swans ended a poor run by beating West Brom at the weekend and caretaker boss Alan Curtis has hinted at making changes.
Everton v Stoke has the look of a draw between two in-form sides and how do you approach Arsenal v Bournemouth.
The injury-hit Gunners were dire against Southampton on Saturday night and look too short to beat Bournemouth but Eddie Howe's visitors have some injury problems with Josh King out and Harry Arter a doubt.
There could also be a draw between Norwich and Aston Villa and it looks a game neither can afford to lose.
Southampton were magnificent in their 4-0 spanking of the Gunners and could follow up with a win at West Ham who are still without Dmitri Payet, Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini.
Saints are 13-10 with Paddy Power and Betfred while Shane Long, who hit a double against Arsenal, is 23-10 with Ladbrokes to score.
Finally, West Brom could be boosted by the return of Saido Berahino at home to Newcastle. He could start and boss Tony Pulis says he'll rest some players so this might be best left alone until line-ups are confirmed.
Bets to Consider
Chelsea draw no bet
Watford v Spurs over 2.5 goals
Crystal Palace
Southampton
Long to score
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Hi Mr. F? Thought Gary Monk is already gone. ??
victor, Monk has definitely gone – old habits die hard though. I reckon Ally McCoist’s Rangers will draw.
Ally McCoist doesnt mange rangers mr f lol but aye agree with the draw
paulmcghee, I think you missed the joke.
A sure did mr f haha my apologies