Chelsea’s Starting Line-up vs. Arsenal: Hazard, Costa and Fabregas in Starting XI And Match Prediction

Chelsea will head to Emirates Stadium to take on London rivals Arsenal on Sunday. Both teams have drawn their last couple of games and will like to break the trend.

The game will be a more important affair to the Gunners who are desperate to win their first league title in 12 years. Meanwhile, Chelsea will love more than anything to disrupt the title campaign for their local rivals.

Team News:

Hiddink confirmed in his press conference that the duo of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa might be available for the clash. ‘He has been well-prepared by the physio until two days ago when started to participate with the team,’ said Hiddink, when asked about Hazard.

‘Since Thursday, he has been fully involved with the first-team training. So he’s available. We have to be careful because of the recent injuries. I’m not sure he can play a full 90 minutes yet.

‘We have to see if it’s better to start or come in. It depends on the game and the toughness and intensity of the game. We will decide on game day.’

Regarding Costa, Hiddink said: ‘He’s not done much. He was in yesterday [Thursday] and today [Friday] and will be available.’

Predicted line up:

Goalkeeper:

Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed number one goalkeeper for the Blues.

Defence:

John Terry and Kurt Zouma will form the centre-back pairing in the centre of defence for the Blues.

Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta will return to full-back roles.

Midfield:

Nemanja Matic struggled in the game against Everton so expect Cesc Fabregas to make his way back into the team.

He will be paired alongside John Obi Mikel in the midfield by Hiddink.

Oscar will start in the attacking midfield role.

Attack:

Eden Hazard is expected to make his way back into the team and will start in a wide position. Willian will keep his place on the opposite flank.

If fit, Diego Costa will be given an opportunity to terrorize the Arsenal defenders. His battle with the Gunners’ centre-backs will make for an interesting viewing.

Predicted Line-up [4-3-2-1]: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Terry, Mikel, Fabregas, Oscar, Hazard, Willian, Costa