Predicted XI Vs West Brom
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Chelsea will head into Wednesday evening’s clash with West Brom in confident mood under interim boss Guus Hiddink.
The Blues, who won the reverse league fixture 3-2 back in August at The Hawthorns, go into the tie off the back of two consecutive victories and three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
The Baggies meanwhile have won their last two Premier League games against Stoke and Newcastle respectively and managed a late equaliser at home to Championship side Bristol City in the FA Cup to salvage a 2-2 draw.
Here’s who we think Hiddink will start this Wednesday evening.
GK - Thibaut Courtois
Despite Asmir Begovic keeping a clean sheet at the weekend against Scunthorpe, Thibaut has been a figure of consistency and returned to his best in recent games with consecutive clean sheets against Palace and Manchester United.
RB - Branislav Ivanovic
The big Serbian defender captained the Blues to their second consecutive victory at the weekend, and provided a brilliant assist for Diego Costa’s opening goal. He’s looked far more comfortable in recent games, and is easily our best right-back option.
CB - Kurt Zouma
Quickly becoming one of the first names on the team sheet, Zouma once again showcased his power and presence at the back against Scunthorpe. The young Frenchman is getting better by the game.
CB - John Terry
Though he was sent off in the reverse fixture, JT looks set to retake the reigns from Gary Cahill following last weekend’s victory, after two solid performances alongside Zouma against United and Palace. I’ll whisper it quietly, but are we finally showing our defensive prowess that was so prominent last season?
LB - Cesar Azpilicueta
The left-back produced another strong showing at the weekend both defensively and in an attacking sense, laying on the assist for Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s first Chelsea goal, and the Blues’ second of the game.
CDM - John Obi Mikel
The Nigerian produced a man of the match performance against Crystal Palace with his strong tackling and composure on the ball. Whilst he may have been frustrating under other manager’s, he performs under Hiddink. And if his performance against Palace is anything to go by, my god he’ll perform well for the rest of the season.
CDM - Cesc Fabregas
Whilst I’m a big fan of Loftus-Cheek and I’d personally start him, I think Hiddink will go with Cesc. The Spaniard is allowed to roam freely with Mikel in the side, allowing him to pick the pockets of space in midfield and spark a Chelsea attack with his incredible vision.
RM - Willian
By far Chelsea’s standout player this season, it would be a crime to not include Willy in the starting line-up. (Especially after his thunderbolt against Palace)
CAM - Oscar
The little Brazilian has flourished under Hiddink, and his link up play with Diego Costa in the first-half against Scunthorpe was excellent – as was their link up play prior to the 24-year-olds goal against Palace. A joy to watch when he’s on form.
LM - Pedro
Though he has not had the best of spells in England since his move from Barcelona, his tireless work ethic and desire to try and make things happen when he has the ball makes him a valuable player. He also made his debut in the reverse fixture, scoring one and assisting Costa in the 3-2 win.
ST - Diego Costa
Costa continued his fine run of form since Jose Mourinho’s departure with his fourth goal in his last three games at the weekend. When he’s fit, firing and focusing on football instead of winding people up, he’s quite a player.