Chelsea’s start under Hiddink got off to a bit of a stutter as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by a brilliant Watford side. The good news was that Diego Costa started scoring goals and should have had a hat-trick but the penalty for the third goal was instead taken by Oscar who missed the chance to give Chelsea the three points.
It was a better performance than what they have provided this season and will certainly be a boost for the players as they now travel to play Manchester United. The festive period certainly has not given the Blues any cheer yet but they could well be getting some presents by doing a number on United.
Diego Costa though would be missing the game due to suspension and with such an important game coming up, here is the predicted lineup for the Blues.
Thibaut Courtois
Courtois is Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper and should start against United.
Branislav Ivanovic
The Serbian defender has slowly found his form for his team and should be an automatic choice for the game against Manchester United.
Gary Cahill
Cahill was preferred in place of Zouma against Watford and the English defender should keep his place for the crunch game at Old Trafford.
John Terry
Two games in two days might be tough for John Terry to start but it is Manchester United and the Captain wouldn’t stay out of the game no matter what.
Cesar Azpilicueta
The best left-back Chelsea have at the moment, Azpilicueta should start the game without any doubts.
John Obi Mikel
The Nigerian could well start for the Blues as they might want to keep a strong midfield to stifle Manchester United, which might be an easy thing to do based on current proceedings.
Nemanja Matic
Matic could have a big role to play in the midfield tussle at Old Trafford and should start the game along with Mikel to give Chelsea a lot of steel down the spine of the team.
Willian
Willian was exceptional once again and was at the heart of all that was good in attack from Chelsea and he would be the key if Chelsea are to win at Old Trafford.
Oscar
The Brazilian might have missed the game winning penalty but he should still keep his place in the XI against Manchester United.
Pedro
Pedro was replaced by Hazard in the second half against Watford but the Spaniard has to do more against United if he has to keep a place under Hiddink.
Eden Hazard
With Diego Costa missing the game against United due to suspension, it could be Hazard who leads the line as he was rested in the 2-2 draw against Watford.