Chelsea Lineup vs. Man Utd & Injury News – Hazard in Starting XI, Pato on the Bench

Chelsea followed up their impressive win over Arsenal with a disappointing draw against Watford. Even after the arrival of Guus Hiddink, the Blues have struggled to find a consistent run of wins.

They will face Premier League rivals Man Utd at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Red Devils have hit form recently and this will make for an interesting encounter.

Team News:

Eden Hazard is expected to make his way back into the starting eleven. Pedro, who missed the mid-week draw against Watford with a knock, will face a late fitness test.

Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy remain out with injuries.

January signing Alexandre Pato has joined first-team training, but according to Guus Hiddink, he is still short of match fitness having not player professional football since November.

Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper:

Thibaut Courtois will play between the sticks for the Blues.

Defence:

Guus Hiddink has pretty much stuck to his back four during his time at Stamford Bridge. Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta will play as the full backs whereas John Terry and Kurt Zouma will form the centre-back pairing at the centre of the defence.

Midfield:

Hiddink will have to make a decision here. He might sacrifice Nemanja Matic to play Eden Hazard in the starting eleven. In that case, Cesc Fabregas will have to shift next to John Obi Mikel in the centre of midfield.

Oscar will be back to his number ten role behind the striker.

Attack:
Eden Hazard will be handed his first league start following his recovery from injury. He will play on the left wing. Willian will feature from the opposite side.

Diego Costa is the only fit striker available to Hiddink at the moment. So there is no doubt that the notorious forward will once again be leading the lines for the Blues.

Lineup: Courtois, Ivanovic, Terry, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Mikel, Fabregas, Oscar, Willian, Costa, Hazard