Another Super Sunday clash for Chelsea as they welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge, in previous years this would be a fixture in which titles were won 8 years ago it was a Champions League final. This season on the other hand, both teams have been very lacklustre and struggling for points – both missing out on Champions League football, at this moment in time – with United in 5th and Chelsea down in 13th. Hiddink is still unbeaten at Chelsea so far and will do everything in his power to continue that; here is my predicted XI.
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian shot stopper has been an ever present since his return from injury. Expect to see Thibaut to continue in between the posts against United.
Defenders
RB – Branislav Ivanovic: Branna has been in decent form as of late, and will hope to continue it next season.
CB – Kurt Zouma & John Terry: The French and British joining alliances once again as Kurt Zouma & John Terry have shown this season that age is just a number. Two defenders at the different end of the age spectrum putting in equally brilliant performances this season. The pair will hope to keep Martial and Rooney quiet in a time to keep a clean sheet.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta: The Spaniard has been a huge assist for our club in recent years, and continues to this season, but playing out of position does not help him whatsoever. It has been to soon that he goes back to his natural right back position but until change, he will remain.
Midfielders
CDM – Cesc Fabregas & John Obi Mikel: A partnership that seems to be working well under Hiddink and HAS to start against Man United. Mikel & Matic do not work as a partnership, and screams draw or defeat every time is features. A mature holding midfielder and a deep lying play maker need to feature against United.
RW – Willian: The Brazilian has been lacklustre of late, not being able to be his usual self, but he has been a key player for us all season and deserves time resurrect his him.
CAM – Eden Hazard: This is a wild guess, but I think Eden will prosper in this position. Oscar has become incredibly frustrating to watch, losing the ball on a number of occasions against Watford and needs to be dropped in order to learn a lesson.
LW – Kenedy: This is another wild guess but I have a valid reason. With Eden Hazard moving inside to the #10 role, we will need a winger with a lot of energy and pace, Kenedy is the perfect player. Pedro will struggle against United if he plays, as he will be bullied off the ball loads; whereas Kenedy is very physical and has an eye for goal.
Striker
Diego Costa: A man with a fighting spirit. The Spaniard has scored 5 in his last 7 games and could be looking back to his best, a goal against United will sky rocket his confidence for the rest of the season.
