The magic of the FA cup continues as Chelsea welcome an out of form City side to Stamford Bridge. Guus Hiddink plans to take this tournament more seriously than usual, due to Chelsea’s horrendous season and the club potentially getting knocked out the Champions league after a 2-1 defeat at the Parc Des Princes during the week; but the Dutchman will remain hopeful and will do everything in his power to get Chelsea back into  European competition next season. Manuel Pellegrini has publicly come out and stated that he plans to play a weakened team this weekend due to Man City’s game against Dynamo Kiev – In Kiev – on Tuesday night, leaving them only two days to prepare. Despite City’s plan to rotate; Hiddink will play a strong side; so here is my predicted XI.
Goalkeeper
GK – Asmir Begovic: The Bosnian is yet to grace the pitch since the arrival of Guus Hiddink. But I am adamant that the shot stopper will get his chance to prove himself, despite missing out on a starting spot in the last round against MK Dons.
Defenders
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta: Dave will continue at his natural right back, this weekend due to the absence of John Terry and Kurt Zouma. The Spaniard struggled against Paris Saint-Germain in the week, but will look to resurrect his form against Man City.
CB – Branislav Ivanovic & Gary Cahill: Many were sceptical about this partnership, but after an incredible performance in Paris, the two defenders were putting their bodies on the line, and doing whatever they can to prevent PSG from putting the tie away.
LB – Abdul Baba Rahman: On the back of an incredible performance against PSG, the Ghanaian will look to cement his place in the starting XI after a horrendous 6 months at the club. The 21 year will be a huge threat on the left hand side, adding more pressure on the oppositions full back.
Midfielders
CDM – Cesc Fabregas & John Obi Mikel: A midfield partnership that has worked wonders under Hiddink, looks set to continue this weekend. Mikel will look to add to his collection of goals after putting one away in Paris on Tuesday. Fabregas was another one who put into an incredible performances and even has the balls to slap Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the face. These two need to be in our midfield on Sunday.
RW – Bertrand Traore: This may be surprise to many reading this but hear me out. In Hiddink’s recent press conference, he praised Bertrand Traore for his hard work and attacking prowess; but the Dutchman will look to play a strong side, which concludes in a certain Spanish striker most likely starting up front. But Traore can play out on the wide right, and does so for his national team. The Burkina Faso international will be a huge threat if he is allowed to cut inside on his stronger left foot.
CAM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Despite wanting to play a strong line up; Hiddink will still look to add a few youngsters into the side, with RLC most likely starting behind the striker. The England U21 international has the physicality and technical ability to play in the number 10 role and could be a threat for a potentially young Manchester City defence.
LW – Eden Hazard: A man that I have become increasingly frustrated with throughout the duration of this season, but the Belgian will look to add to his goal tally of one against Man City, in an attempt to boost his confidence.
Striker
CF – Diego Costa: One of two players currently in the Zorro club, the Spaniard will look to cause havoc for City’s defence this weekend and will hope to bag himself a couple of goals.
