Chelsea look to take advantage of the Cup competitions to make up for the abject performances in the league so far which has rendered them incapable to win the title over the season. One of these is the FA Cup, the oldest Cup competition in the world and the one in which Chelsea have been very successful over the years as they last won it in 2012 along with the Champions League.
The predicted lineup is:
GK: Asmir Begovic
The Bosnian will be expected to start the match as Courtois would be rested for a crucial midweek match against West Brom over midweek. The number one should handle the match with caution as Scunthorpe would look to bombard the box with crosses for any hope to win against a resurgent Chelsea.
LB: Baba Rahman
The young Ghana international is expected to fill in for the over worked Azpilicueta as he looks to nail a starting spot in the Chelsea squad. A decent performance would go a long way to convince Hiddink.
CB: Gary Cahill
The Englishman should be another change as Hiddink would look to rest Terry for the midweek. Cahill is definitely down the pecking order and would look to seek reinstatement.
CB: Kurt Zouma
The brilliant Frenchman has been the best centre back for Chelsea this season and would look to continue that hot streak with the cup matchup.
RB: Ola Aina
This is one position where Hiddink would look to rotate as Chelsea lack any sort of depth at the spot as Ivanovic is the single natural at this position.
CDM: Ruben Loftus Cheek
The talented midfielder should be starting the match as he would look to stake a claim in the squad. The Chelsea fans love him and it would be a popular as well as a prudent move for Hiddink.
CDM: Nemanja Matic
Matic is another first teamer who has lost his spot in the first eleven and would look to have a great performance over the match.
LM: Kenedy
The brilliant young Brazilian should be given a chance over on the wings as he has always impressed whenever he has come on the pitch for the Blues.
CAM: Oscar
Oscar should be holding down the spot as he would look to orchestrate the play for the Chelsea team and make incisive runs himself over the important fixture for Chelsea.
RM: Charly Musonda
An exceptional talent, the youngster is the most deserving Chelsea academy player to be given a chance in the first team as he looked head and shoulders above his peers at the under 21 level. With him frustrated at the chances afforded to him by the club and issuing an ultimatum over the said issue, it would be a wise move to give him a chance against lower league opposition.
ST: Bertrand Traore
With Diego Costa the only fit striker for Chelsea, it would be impaired judgement to risk him against a side which would look to play physically and trouble Chelsea. The fact that Traore was pursued by the club for over three years shows that he might be well capable to lead the line.