It’s the Super Sunday clash, with Chelsea travel to face an Arsenal side full of confidence and sitting 3rd in the table only 3 points off the top. Chelsea currently 14th in the table after a frustrating season, but as of yet, unbeaten under Guus Hiddink. Arsenal haven’t beaten Chelsea in the league since 2011 and hopefully they won’t be able to get the win they are so eager for.
I predict Hiddink will use a strong line up against the Gunners but could make a change in his formation.
Goalkeeper
Courtois: The Belgian shot stopper has looked shaky recently, having conceded 5 goals in his last 2 games, but expect the 6’6 goalkeeper to continue in goal this afternoon.
Defenders
RB – Branislav Ivanovic: The Serbian has been in acceptable form recently, but a shaky defence as a whole has been the problem this season. Fresh off his new 1 year deal at the club, he will hope to show the fans what they’re getting another year of, against Arsenal.
CB – Kurt Zouma & John Terry: Zouma has been solid all season, despite the poor form, he and Terry have created a decent partnership at the heart of our defence. John Terry had a very eventful game last weekend, having scored an own goal, then finished the with a sublime back heel goal.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta: This man has been one of our consistent players this season, and with Baba Rahman struggling to adapt to the league, the Spaniard is almost guaranteed a start every week.
Midfield
CDM – John Obi Mikel: The Nigerian Zidane has been great since the return of Hiddink, and with Matic being in woeful form this season, I can see John Obi starting against Arsenal, but playing a different role; the Makelele role, we are going to need to pack out our midfield if we want to keep Mesut Ozil quiet.
CM – Cesc Fabregas & Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Fabregas seems to have a bit of form in recent weeks, with his combination with Costa looking to gain some momentum. Fabregas goes back to face his former side Arsenal, and will look to overcome some abuse he will receive and put in a world class performance. Loftus-Cheek on the other hand, this one is questionable, the midfielder celebrated his 20th birthday on Saturday, but don’t think this will be an excuse to play him. It’s evident that Ramires has fallen down the pecking under Hiddink, and in an interview with RLC, he revealed that he is seen as a first team player, so he may be in contention for Sunday’s game against Arsenal.
Strikers
RW – Willian: I’ve decided that we should play a 433 formation against Arsenal which will allow us to push our wingers further up the pitch. Willian has been our biggest threat on the attack this season, and should be allowed to play further up the pitch.
CF – Diego Costa: The Spaniard has 5 goals in 5 games under Hiddink, which has shown a resurgence of form and will look to continue it against the title chasers. In the return fixture, he caused their defence havoc, which concluded in Gabriel getting sent off.
LW – Eden Hazard: It has been a hard season for the Belgian, since being named the PFA POTY, he has struggled to find his form and is yet to score a goal this season. He has just returned from injury so he could be hungrier than ever.
