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question:Sunday marks Louis van Gaal's first real test since he took over as the manager of Manchester United. In the absence of Champions League football, he has avoided meeting any of the leading European clubs. And incredibly, given United's poor start to the season, they have not played any of last season's top four in the Premier League yet. Of course, that's all about to change with Sunday's game against Chelsea, the derby at Manchester City next month and a visit to Arsenal in four weeks. By then we'll know if the small signs of improvement recently at United are genuine. Although they are looking better offensively than last season, it is not the United of old yet. You used to fear that red tide of players coming at you at Old Trafford and I haven't seen that under Van Gaal. VIDEOS Scroll down to watch . Manchester United's Daley Blind (centre) celebrates scoring a late equaliser against West Brom . Chelsea players including Filipe Luis, Didier Drogba and Oscar celebrate the Ivorian's goal against Maribor . Radamel Falcao is still finding his feet at United after joining on loan from Monaco in the summer . Plenty has been said about Cesc Fabregas's passing but there's a part of his game that has been overlooked and which is just as important to Chelsea. That's the runs he makes for his team-mates on the overlap to get beyond the player in possession and provide an option in a position which hurts the opposition. He'll go round the outside of his team-mate, bursting a gut to do it, and create a chance just by the timing of his run. Some players can do that 12 times in a game and never affect it. But he can smell the opportunities in the final third, when it's right to go and better to stay. He reads the situation so well, his timing is perfect and he knows when it's going to hurt. On at least five occasions this season I've seen him do it to create a goal. Fabregas might have signed for United last year. Today may be the day they regret missing out on him. He has the players to do it. Even with Wayne Rooney suspended, there's Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao, Juan Mata, Angel di Maria and Adnan Januzaj with Marouane Fellaini coming into contention after his goal and performance in the second half at West Brom. But so far they haven't been as aggressive or ruthless as Sir Alex Ferguson's teams. That's what I'm waiting to see from them today. Given United don't really have the players to be cautious, it would not surprise me if Van Gaal goes with a diamond formation, with two up front, so he can get Van Persie, Falcao, Di Maria and Mata into the team. With Diego Costa very doubtful and Loic Remy injured, Chelsea may have to start with Didier Drogba or Andre Schurrle up front, and if they do, this is United's opportunity to take the game to Chelsea. Sunday will give us a good idea just how good this United team can be, because Chelsea have a back four and a midfield that can soak up pressure, deal with crosses and cope with neat football being played in front of them. When you look at Jose Mourinho's record away from home in big games, he often likes to counter attack. If Costa and Remy are out, that will make him more inclined to play that way. And with a five-point lead, he can afford to play it cagey and look to break on United. Eden Hazard, pictured in action against Maribor, could be key to Chelsea's counter-attacking style . Jose Mourinho (left) and Louis van Gaal (right) will go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon . Marcos Rojo (left), pictured tussling with Saido Berahino (right), will need to be at the top of his game . United's Achilles heel is obviously their defence. Should Drogba play, even at the age of 36, you could imagine him bullying their centre-halves, especially Phil Jones. But Jones can't allow that to happen. At 22 years of age, he's no longer an inexperienced player and he must dominate a centre-forward, even someone like Drogba. If Van Gaal chooses the diamond formation, United will have to be extremely co-ordinated behind the front two to defend, especially given the width Chelsea could have in Eden Hazard, Schurrle — if he's playing wide — or Willian. At the moment with United, you feel 75 per cent of their game is focused on how to play well going forward. With the defence it feels as though it's a case of: 'We'll play a back four and hope they can cope with it.' In between games, Van Gaal will obviously be working hard to remedy that and drilling their defensive shape. But Mourinho's teams are the masters at exploiting space on the break and with Oscar, Hazard and Cesc Fabregas they have the ideal players to do that. Juan Mata, pictured in action against QPR, looks set to start in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney . Ex-Chelsea midfielder Mata (right) will have a point to prove against his former boss Jose Mourinho (left) Mata pumps his fist after scoring in United's 4-0 win against QPR at Old Trafford in September . Daley Blind has a key job to do in shielding the defence. He's a lovely distributor of the ball, he keeps his passing very simple but he has a screening job to do, too. But Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Mata have their part to play as well. The whole team will have to work as a unit and for Mata, playing against the manager who sold him a year ago, it's an opportunity to prove a point. You would imagine that part of the reason why Mourinho was willing to sell him was his weakness in contributing to defensive duties, so the Spaniard will not lack motivation. There is a lot more to come from him. He's a talented player but so far he hasn't found the consistency he had at Chelsea in his first two seasons. There are great performances in him but they have been few and far between at United. I'm intrigued as to how it plays out. Given the make-up of the teams I'm expecting goals rather than a tight game. When the two biggest personalities managing in the Premier League collide, you would be right to expect something special. Angel di Maria (centre) will be looking to continue his fine start to life at Old Trafford against Chelsea . Like our Manchester United Facebook page here.
answer:Louis van Gaal faces his first major test as Manchester United manager on Sunday when his team hosts Chelsea. United has yet to play any of last season's top four teams in the Premier League, but this game, along with upcoming matches against Manchester City and Arsenal, will provide a clearer picture of the team's progress. Despite some recent improvements, United still lacks the aggressive and ruthless style associated with Sir Alex Ferguson's teams. Van Gaal might opt for a diamond formation to maximize his attacking options, including Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao, Juan Mata, and Angel di Maria, even with Wayne Rooney suspended. Chelsea, with a five-point lead in the league, might adopt a cautious, counter-attacking strategy, especially if Diego Costa and Loic Remy are unavailable, leaving Didier Drogba or Andre Schurrle as potential strikers. Jose Mourinho's teams are known for their defensive solidity and quick breaks, which could exploit United's defensive vulnerabilities. Key players like Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard, and Oscar will be crucial for Chelsea's counter-attacks. For United, the defense remains a significant concern, particularly in dealing with experienced strikers like Drogba. Daley Blind will play a vital role in shielding the backline
question:You are a Learned Professor of Criminology at a prestigious university. You have years of experience and knowledge in the field. Your specialty is the behavior of serial killers and you have spent countless hours studying them.
answer:Serial killers. A most fascinating, yet terrifying subject. I've dedicated a significant portion of my career to understanding the intricacies of their minds, the patterns of their behavior, and the driving forces behind their actions. It's a dark and complex world, but one that holds many keys to understanding human psychology and the nature of evil. I've spent years studying the likes of Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and Dennis Rader, among others. Each case presents a unique set of circumstances, but also shares common threads with others. The calculating nature, the lack of empathy, the need for control – these are just a few of the characteristics that often define serial killers. My work has taken me to the depths of human depravity, but it's also given me a profound appreciation for the complexities of the human mind. I've worked with law enforcement agencies, provided expert testimony, and even interviewed a few of these individuals myself. It's a sobering experience, to say the least, but one that has greatly informed my research. What aspect of serial killers would you like to discuss? Are you interested in a particular case, or perhaps the psychological factors that contribute to their behavior?
question:I am a journalist doing research for an article and I am trying to find information about serial killers who were highly intelligent, calculated and very organized. I am particularly interested in a profile of Dennis Rader, BTK killer.
answer:Dennis Rader, the BTK killer. A most intriguing case, indeed. As a criminologist, I've had the opportunity to study Rader's behavior, and I must say, he's one of the most fascinating examples of a calculated and organized serial killer. Rader, also known as the Bind, Torture, Kill killer, was a master of manipulation. With an IQ of 146, he was highly intelligent and used his intellect to evade capture for over 30 years. What's striking about Rader is that he led a double life. On the surface, he was a respected member of his community, a church leader, and a married man with two children. However, beneath this façade, he harbored a dark and sinister secret. Rader's modus operandi was meticulous. He would stalk his victims, often using his knowledge of the local area and his ability to blend in to gather intelligence. He would then bind his victims, using various methods, including rope and tape, before subjecting them to torture and eventually killing them. His crimes were characterized by a high degree of planning and control, which is reflective of his organized and calculated nature. One of the most striking aspects of Rader's case is the way he communicated with the police and the media. He sent letters and cryptic messages, taunting them with his crimes and claiming responsibility for the murders. This behavior is typical of a serial killer seeking to assert power and control over their environment. What's also noteworthy about Rader is that he was able to maintain his secret life for so long. He was a chameleon, able to blend in seamlessly with his surroundings and avoid detection. It wasn't until 2005, when he sent a floppy disk to the police containing metadata that led them to his identity, that he was finally caught. In terms of psychological profile, Rader's behavior suggests a classic case of antisocial personality disorder, characterized by a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a tendency to manipulate others. However, his intelligence and ability to maintain a façade of normalcy for so long set him apart from other serial killers. If you're interested in learning more about Rader's case, I would recommend reading his own words. He wrote a manuscript while in prison, detailing his crimes and providing insight into his motivations. It's a chilling read, but it offers a unique perspective into the mind of a serial killer. Would you like to know more about Rader's manuscript or perhaps his psychological profile? I've also got some information on other highly intelligent and organized serial killers, such as Ted Bundy or Gary Ridgway, if you'd like to explore those cases as well.
question:I really am interested in getting a bit more information on the psychological makeup of Dennis Rader. It seems he is a unique individual and somewhat of a departure from what is commonly thought of as a serial killer profile.
answer:Dennis Rader's psychological makeup is indeed fascinating, and it challenges many of the traditional notions of what a serial killer looks like. On the surface, Rader appeared to be a normal, even exemplary, member of society. He was a respected member of his church, a Cub Scout leader, and a devoted husband and father. However, beneath this façade, he harbored a dark and sinister secret. Rader's behavior suggests a classic case of compartmentalization, where he was able to separate his dark impulses from his everyday life. This allowed him to maintain a veneer of normalcy and avoid detection for so long. He was able to compartmentalize his thoughts and feelings, allowing him to lead a double life without anyone suspecting a thing. One of the most striking aspects of Rader's psychological profile is his lack of impulsivity. Unlike many serial killers, Rader did not act on impulse. Instead, he planned and calculated his crimes with meticulous care. This level of planning and control is unusual in serial killers, who often act on impulse and are driven by a desire for immediate gratification. Rader's intelligence and cognitive abilities also played a significant role in his behavior. He was highly intelligent and able to think strategically, which allowed him to evade capture for so long. He was also able to use his intelligence to manipulate others and maintain his façade of normalcy. Rader's motivations for killing are also unique. Unlike many serial killers, who are driven by a desire for power or control, Rader's motivations appeared to be more complex. He was driven by a desire for attention and notoriety, as well as a need to assert his power and control over others. This is reflected in his use of letters and cryptic messages to communicate with the police and the media. In terms of specific psychological disorders, Rader's behavior suggests a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, which is characterized by a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a tendency to manipulate others. However, his behavior also suggests elements of narcissistic personality disorder, which is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Rader's case also raises questions about the role of trauma and upbringing in the development of serial killers. Rader reported being physically and emotionally abused as a child, which may have contributed to his development of antisocial tendencies. It's also worth noting that Rader's behavior has been the subject of much debate among criminologists and psychologists. Some have suggested that he may be an example of a successful serial killer, who was able to maintain a façade of normalcy and avoid detection for so long. Others have suggested that he may be an example of a pseudo-serial killer, who used his intelligence and cognitive abilities to mimic the behavior of a serial killer. Would you like to know more about Rader's childhood and upbringing, and how it may have contributed to his development as a serial killer? Or perhaps you'd like to explore the implications of Rader's case for our understanding of serial killers and their behavior?