The magic of the continues, as the 2012 winners: Chelsea, travel to the Stadium MK in a 4th round clash against Milton Keynes dons; a side currently sitting 20th in the Championship, having only won 4 of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Chelsea on the other hand, have pick up a decent run of form in recent weeks, currently unbeaten under interim manager: Guus Hiddink. After a big win over Arsenal last weekend, some players may receive a deserved rest in this cup game, considering the Blues have a game 4 days later against Watford.
I predict Guus will consider some of his squad players in this game and may take a couple of risks.
Goalkeeper
GK – Asmir Begovic: Throughout the period of Thibuat’s injury, Asmir stepped up and covered himself in glory with some superb saves, keeping us from humiliating scorelines. The Bosnian has lost his place since the return of the Belgian but will certainly play in the FA cup this weekend.
Defenders
RB – Branislav Ivanovic: The Serbian put in an decent performance against Arsenal last weekend and has done in recent weeks. The Serb was given a new 1 year deal last week and look to show the Chelsea faithful why he received that contract, despite coming under scrutiny this season; Ivanovic should play this weekend, if a certain someone is given a rest.
CB – Gary Cahill & Kurt Zouma: Rumours have come out in recent days, stating that Gary Cahill is unhappy at the club due to the lack of game time, since the return of Hiddink. Both Zouma & Terry have been in great form recently and have kept the England international out of the side. In the managers conference yesterday, he put all the rumours to rest, saying that Cahill is happy at the club; I predict he will start against MK Dons. Cahill needs a partner in crime, and Kurt Zouma is the perfect candidate, I consider the young Frenchman as one of the best CB in the league and should continue in the side.
LB – Abdul Baba Rahman: The Ghanian has struggled to adapt to the life of a Premier league footballer; prominently playing his games for the side in the cup. Baba could be given his chance to prove himself to the gaffer in the FA cup tie this weekend.
Midfielders
CDM – John Obi Mikel & Ruben Loftus-Cheek: The perfect midfield combination for the FA cup – (The experienced & the talented) The former has picked up some form in recent weeks, having being a key figure in the side under Guus Hiddink; The Nigerian has been a key figure for the resurgence of Cesc Fabregas, allowing him more freedom on the pitch. The latter hasn’t been given any minutes since his goal in the last round against Scunthorpe. The youngster is bound to start, unless Hiddink does what he did last round, not taking any risk; but I don’t think he will this time.
RM – Kenedy: Normally the Brazilian would start out on the left, but I believe he should be given a chance on the right. He is a Hulk esque player with a very powerful left foot, which is not being utilized on the left. Allow this man to cut inside and you will not see him for the rest of the game.
CAM – Cesc Fabregas: It’s taken a year for him to do so, but he is finally back to his best. The Spaniard has been instrumental since Hiddink’s return which includes a MOTM performance against his former side Arsenal, and contributing 1 goal and an assist against Everton, in a game that end 3-3. It would be stupid to rest him, the moment he regains form.
LM – Eden Hazard: The Belgian has come under a bit of scrutiny this season, having not scored a goal all season, but this weekends match could be the perfect chance to end his goal drought, and quieten the haters.
Forward
CF – Bertrand Traore: In this weeks press conference, Guus Hiddink confirmed that the Burkina Faso international with be in the match day squad, which could be an indication that he will be starting. Remy could be joining Leicester City, Diego Costa will most likely be rested. Bamford has just joined Norwich city on loan and Pato is lacking match fitness so he will need more preparation.
