After a 2-0 victory over Scunthorpe at the weekend, Chelsea welcome another team to Stamford Bridge but this time for the Premier League side West Brom. Guus Hiddink must be having a selection headache after his sides decent run of form which has concluded with 3 clean sheets in a row, here is the team I think Guus Hiddink will start against Albion.
4-2-3-1
GK – Thibaut Courtois: Despite Asmir Begovic getting a clean sheet against Scunthorpe, expect Thibaut Courtois to continue between the posts against WBA.
Defenders
RB – Branislav Ivanovic: The Serbian has slowly been regaining his confidence and has looked solid since the return of Guus Hiddink. It’s clear to see that Baba hasn’t been able to adapt yet so don’t expect to see Azpilicueta at his favoured RB any time soon. As we reported Ivanovic could be soon rewarded with a new contract at the club.
CB – Â Kurt Zouma & John Terry: Pace & power with intelligence & skill, the perfect centre back combination. Zouma has been in incredible form this season and for such a young player, he could be considered as one of the best defenders in the league. Terry’s leadership is needed so don’t be surprised if this is our centre back partnership for the rest of the season.
LB: Cesar Azpilicueta:Â The Spaniard has been very consistent over this frustrating season and Baba doesn’t look settled so Azpi will 100% be in the side.
Midfielders
CDM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek & John Obi Mikel: I’m going out on a limb with this one but I truly do believe that this will our midfield partnership. Hiddink is a massive fan of Mikel after his first spell with the club, the Nigerian is way more disciplined than Matic, this reason alone could keep the Serbian out of the side. Loftus-Cheek had a massive impact against Scunthorpe, despite only playing 45 minutes. A personal favourite of mine, the young midfielder looked bright on the ball, everyone in the stadium was anticipating something spectacular to happen when he was on the ball. An impressive performance ended with an impressive goal; the first of his career, a Lampard esque run lead to a tidy finish from the youngster. With Mikel being in the team, it would allow RLC freedom.
RW – Â Willian: This man needs no introduction, our player of the season, the biggest reason why we got through the Champions league group stage.
CAM – Cesc Fabregas: I’ve given this man a lot of stick this season on social media, but is he finally turning his form around? With Chelsea dominating possession, Fabregas flourishes. I personally don’t think he is a holding midfielder, he should be given the freedom to show his passing ability, therefore I would start him in behind Costa.
LW – Pedro: This could be up for debate, Eden Hazard is still out injured and Pedro has replaced him in the last few games. During Guus Hiddink’s press conference on Tuesday, the Dutchman spoke highly of Kenedy which could end up with Kenedy starting, but I truly expect Pedro to start, with Kenedy coming of the bench
Striker
CF – Diego Costa: The Spaniard has been in red hot form under Hiddink, having scored 4 goals in his last 3 games. It would be a stupid decision not to start Costa when he’s in such good form.
What do you think of this lineup?