Chelsea is trying to save an awful season, and eventual lifting of the FA Cup trophy will somehow save their disastrous campaign. The “Blues” are traveling to MK Dons as the firm favorites to come out victorious. After a big win at Arsenal last weekend, Chelsea’s high team spirit should prevail in this one as well.
Interim boss Guus Hiddink said that this competition has a significant relevance to him, and he will probably field the best eleven possible with some slight altercations.
GK Asmir Begovic
Begovic will probably get the starting nod ahead of Thibault Courtois because Hiddink opted to use the Bosnian international in Cup games rather than in the BPL. MK-Dons is relatively an easier opponent so the boss can afford to rest Courtois in this match.
LB Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta is way ahead of Baba in the pecking order, and he should start another game at the left back position.
CB Gary Cahill
Cahill is lacking the match time, and he recently voiced his concerns about first team football. Hiddink stated that he counts on Cahill and will give him a chance in coming games. This game looks like a solid opportunity for the Englishman.
CB Kurt Zouma
The young Frenchman is probably in best form out of other two centre-backs in the squad, and he fully deserves to be in the starting XI.
RB Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic signed a contract extension recently and played well against Arsenal, so he is clearly a top choice for this position.
DM Jon Obi Mikel
Ramires left for China, so that left Hiddink with two options at the defensive midfielder position. I think the Nigerian will get a start over struggling Nemanja Matic.
CM Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas has started playing a bit better lately and is improving with each passing game. He started the game against Scunthorpe in the previous round, and his services will be needed again.
AMR Willian
Arguably the best Chelsea’s player this season, Willian is a constant threat from both in-game and set-piece situations. Not seeing him from the start would be surprising.
AMC Oscar
The Brazilian is having a terrible season and has failed to find his touch and rhythm in the season thus far. However, it seems that Hiddink likes his style and frequently uses him from the first minute. The Dutch coach also rarely kept Oscar the full 90 minutes, so he is one of the candidates to be substituted later on.
AML Eden Hazard
Hazard still hasn’t recorded any goals or assists this season and although he was out due to an injury, the last year’s BPL player of the season probably is the main culprit of Chelsea’s downfall. The talented player needs this kind of games to regain confidence and maybe finally find a net.
ST Diego Costa
Having Falcao and Remy sidelined for the clash with MK Dons, Guus Hiddink has to rely on Costa. The striker scored several goals in the last few weeks and reminded us of how lethal in front of the goal he used to be. He’ll likely torture the home team
