Buoyed by their win in the Premier League game against Arsenal, reigning Premier League Champions Chelsea should see off Championship side Milton Keynes Dons with ease but after last season’s loss to League One side Bradford City at this very round of the FA Cup, Chelsea will not be taking this game as a cakewalk.
Jose Mourinho and his men did get their hands on the Premier League title last season but the lowest point of their season was an embarrassing FA Cup 4th round defeat to Bradford City at the Stamford Bridge and new boss Guus Hiddink would want to avoid a repeat of that which could tempt him to play most of his first team but a midweek game against Watford means that some fringe players might also get a look in.
Guus Hiddink won the FA Cup in 2009 during his first spell as Chelsea boss and has set his sights on winning it once again but beating MK Dons on their home turf might prove to be tricky (if you think otherwise, ask Manchester United).
Chelsea are expected to line up as follows:
Formation- 4-3-2-1
Goalkeeper:
Asmir Begovic
It is always a luxury for a manager two have 2 quality goalkeepers and Guus Hiddink does have that. No.2 Asmir Begovic set to start this game as he is Chelsea’s cup goalkeeper.
Defenders:
Branislav Ivanovic:
The Serbian has found some form after a disastrous first half of the season and is expected to line-up at right-back for the Blues.
Gary Cahill
He hasn’t started a game for Chelsea in the PL since Boxing Day but is likely to feature against MK Dons at centre back.
Kurt Zouma
Zouma has replaced Cahill as the first choice centre-back for Chelsea but tomorrow he will be partnering Cahill in central defence.
Baba Rahman
Cesar Azpilicueta will make way for summer signing Baba Rahman who has featured just 9 times for Chelsea this season.
Midfield:
John Obi Mikel
Nemanja Matic will sit out this game and John Obi Mikel is expected to take his place in front of the defense.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The 20-year-old will partner Mikel in central midfield and should be prepared for more first-team appearances after Ramires was sold earlier this week.
Oscar
The Brazilian will be expected to work his magic in the midfield and the onus will be on him to create goal-scoring opportunities for his team-mates with Fabregas sitting on the bench.
Eden Hazard:
Last year’s Player of the Season returned from injury last week and played the last 15 minutes at the Emirates and will get his first start in almost a month.
Pedro
The Spaniard sat out the game against Arsenal due to illness and might not last the entire game but will feature on the wing for Chelsea.
Attack
Diego Costa:
Costa will once again be expected to lead the line for the Blues with fellow strikers Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao yet to recover from injury while new recruit Alexandre Pato could make an appearance off the bench.