Friday 5 February 2016 15:11, UK
Guus Hiddink is hopeful Chelsea are heading towards "a beautiful springtime" as they prepare to host Manchester United.
The Londoners will make it 10 straight games unbeaten under Hiddink's temporary management if they avoid defeat to United on Super Sunday.
The Dutchman joked a "3.1-point average" is needed to salvage a top-four place this season, but he is confident there is a new solidity about the side ahead of a key fortnight featuring a trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and a home FA Cup tie with Manchester City.
"We're getting back on track," said Hiddink, who has overseen four wins and five draws in nine games since returning to the club.
"I'd like to have more victories than the draws, but I think the team is step-by-step more stable and now we hope to go into a beautiful springtime."
Hiddink revealed Pedro could return from a groin injury this weekend, but Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao remain out along with new arrival Alexandre Pato, who is being put through a "pre-season".
"Pato will not be in for the upcoming few games because we want to have him fit," Hiddink said. "We don't want the risk of injury in this tough league."
Hiddink has no such concerns over captain John Terry, who announced last weekend he expects to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer with no new contract currently on offer.
"John is a very experienced player who has gone through good things and storms in football," he said. "You don't notice a different John."
Chelsea remain in the bottom half despite their recent form while United arrive outside the top four but the meeting is "still a big match", according to Hiddink, who would not be drawn on his opposite number's recent problems.
"It's difficult for me to judge," he said. "I have a professional relationship with Louis. We haven't met that much in our professional life in Holland. A few times but not many.
"We can talk the whole morning about Manchester United but I am wearing a different colour. Every club during the season has periods where they might worry a bit. We had that as well so I don't like to go too much into other people's kitchen."
