The FA cup is back as Chelsea look provide their loyal fans a piece of silverware after a woeful first half of the season. The campaign starts with a reasonably easy home tie against Scunthorpe United, the league 1 side are currently sitting 15th in the table, having only on got 32 points after 28 games. Guus Hiddink will hope to avoid the same scenario as last season, where Chelsea were involved in one of the all time cup shocks after the blues went 2-0 up against Bradford but managed to get stuffed 4-2 by the league 1 club. It is most likely that Chelsea will experiment with some squad/youth players getting a chance.
Here is my predicted line up:
GK – Asmir Begovic: The Bosnian has lost his place in the first team, since Thibaut Courtois returned from injury. The man who covered himself in glory, during times of turmoil, deserves a place back into the team and this cup game is the perfect opportunity.
RB – Branislav Ivanovic: Many would like to see Aina in this position but leadership will be needed in this game, if experimentation takes place. The vice captain has improving since his return from injury. Expect Aina to make a cameo appearance or be named on the bench.
CB – John Terry & Papy Djilobodji: Yes, that is right, I did say Papy Djilobodji, the forgotten man at Chelsea could finally make an appearance that is longer than 5 minutes. Zouma has been in sensational form this season and one of a small amount of shining lights, but the Frenchman deserves a rest and could be rewarded with one. Gary Cahill is still out with an injury so JT will most likely play this weekend.
LB – Abdul Baba Rahman: The Ghanaian has struggled to adapt to life in England, Â struggling to cement a starting spot due to Azpilicueta being in consistent form. The FA cup tie could be his chance to make a mark under Guus Hiddink.
CDM – Nemanja Matic & Ruben Loftus-Cheek:Â Matic currently is struggling for from after being replaced by Mikel against Crystal palace but the big Serbian could make his way back into the side against Scunthorpe. In all honesty, we expect to see a youngster or two in the starting XI and this man could it, Ruben Loftus-Cheek. I’ve named him many times in my predicted line up this season, but this time I’m adamant it will happen. Hiddink did say in this afternoon’s press conference (7/1/16) that he has been inspecting a young player and that they are ready. It may be Loftus-Cheek.
RW – Pedro: The small Spaniard came on for the injured Eden Hazard last week and put in a decent shift. The guy has experience in the game which would be needed if the younger players get their chance. Willian deserves a rest and this is the perfect opportunity.
CAM – Â Cesc Fabregas: The man was untouchable according to Crystal Palace manager: Alan Pardew, after Chelsea 3-0 stomping of the Eagles. I and many other have gotten frustrated with Fabregas this season, but after last weeks performance, the Spaniard could be getting back to what he can do best.
LW – Kenedy: The talented Brazilian has always put in a shift when he’s played a deserves a chance to prove himself under the new manager, so I would be surprised if he didn’t start.
CF: Betrand Traore: The Burkina Faso forward seems to have become a forgotten man at Chelsea, even being speculated to be joining Dutch side Ajax. It would be stupid to risk Costa in a pointless game and with both Remy and Falcao out injured, expect Traore to be given gametime.
