Chelsea FC take on Swansea: four point preview

3. Youth to continue? – Ajitesh Rasgotra

Following the confirmation that Antonio Conte will be the man in charge, how will Guus Hiddink set-up his side? Of course, with a new boss incoming, every member of the squad must feel that he has to prove himself. Having said that, this is particularly true for some players more than others.

Several of the more established stars on the roster have been inexplicably poor throughout the season and are now at risk of being cut come the term’s conclusion. Conte has the reputation of a no-nonsense manager and will likely have no issues with selling any player that he deems unworthy of a place at Stamford Bridge.

However, Hiddink deployed some of the younger players last weekend and appears set to carry on in the same vein. He has promised that the academy graduates and recent acquisitions would enjoy significant minutes in the last few weeks. This may come at the expense of the likes of Pedro and Oscar who desperately need to show Conte that they belong at Chelsea.

On the back of the appointment, will Hiddink change his tactics and revert to the supposed first-team players? It is certainly an interesting situation and the Dutchman’s selection on Saturday may indicate the direction in which he is heading for the rest of the campaign.

Next: 4. Battling Swans