Chelsea FC take on Aston Villa in a Premier League clash this afternoon. Guus Hiddink and Eric Black have confirmed their starting line-ups.
Chelsea FC and Aston Villa square off in a reasonably dead Premier League fixture today. With just under an hour until kick-off, managers Guus Hiddink and Eric Black have handed in their team sheets.
| Aston Villa | Chelsea FC |
|---|---|
| Brad Guzan | Thibaut Courtois |
| Alan Hutton | Cesar Azpilicueta |
| Micah Richards | Branislav Ivanovic (C) |
| Joleon Lescott | Matt Miazga |
| Aly Cissokho | Baba Rahman |
| Carlos Sanchez | John Obi Mikel |
| Ashley Westwood | Cesc Fabregas |
| Gana | Pedro |
| Carles Gil | Ruben Loftus-Cheek |
| Jordan Ayew | Kenedy |
| Rudy Gestede | Loic Remy |
| Subs | Subs |
| Jores Okore | Asmir Begovic |
| Leandro Bacuna | Jake Clarke-Salter |
| Scott Sinclair | Nemanja Matic |
| Jordan Veretout | Oscar |
| Mark Bunn | Bertrand Traore |
| Jordan Lyden | Alexandre Pato |
| Jack Grealish | Radamel Falcao |
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The revolution will be televised. This line-up will undoubtedly brighten up the day for any Chelsea fan because, after much talk, Guus Hiddink has actually followed through on his promise to use the youngsters.
Starting with the defence, we have a formation that could well be the one frequently utilised next season. Branislav Ivanovic captains the team in the middle alongside the debuting Matt Miazga. The American youngster was somewhat surprisingly signed in January but he finally gets a chance to showcase his potential this afternoon.
Baba Rahman is given the start at left-back with Cesar Azpilicueta taking up his more natural spot on the right. Despite having two weeks off, John Terry does not feature in the matchday squad.
The mainstay of the Hiddink side, John Obi Mikel, will be in midfield partnering Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard has proven to be more effective in this deeper role and thus it is relieving to see him chosen in this position.
The attacking four is particularly interesting. Eden Hazard is out injured, with Pedro being his obvious replacement. However, the club’s player of the season, Willian, does not even make the bench. Kenedy gets the start on the other wing, a rare reprieve from the full-back role that he has been forced to play.
More importantly, he starts! Ruben Loftus-Cheek starts a Premier League game! This is a rare sighting and one that should be treasured. Hopefully, the youngster can show the world what they have been missing with a creative and dangerous performance against an admittedly awful Villa team.
Youngster Jake Clarke-Salter is on the bench alongside both Alexandre Pato and Radamel Falcao. Loic Remy’s inclusion in the starting eleven will undoubtedly infuriate some fans.
Meanwhile, Villa are without Gabby Agbonlahor as he is subject to an internal investigation regarding alleged holiday antics. I had to look up most of their team (this is probably why they are bottom), but Rudy Gestede is their player to watch. The infamous Jack Grealish (and his hair) are on the bench.
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