The EPL defending champion will hope to continue their unbeaten run under the new boss Guus Hiddink when they play host to League One side Scunthorpe United in FA Cup third round clash.
Chelsea will be expected to secure the three maximum points against the lower division team. The Blues have been knocked-out of the Capital One Cup and they are far behind in the race to win the Premiership having started the season on a disappointed note.
The FA Cup seems to be the only domestic trophy the Blues could win this season. As a result, it is expected that the Dutch tactician will field in a strong squad consisting of both first team players as well as giving the young star an opportunity to showcase their quality.
Chelsea got their first win under new manager Guus Hiddink during his second term at the club as they won 3-0 against Alan Pardew’s high-flying Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Blues will be determined to build on their bright start of the New Year 2016 forgetting the miserable second half of the last year.
The two sides met only once in the FA Cup till date and Chelsea saw the minnows off 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on that occasion. Scunthorpe are not in a good form and they finished on the winning side in only two of their las six games. They are currently sitting 15th in the League One table.
On paper, the game is not even a contest but a game is not won on paper and in a knockout tournament you cannot afford to be complacent no matter whichever side you play. Guus Hiddink has a huge amount of experience behind him and will not take his opponents lightly as he aims to help the Blues come back to their best and regain the glory they have lost this season.
Eden Hazard was subbed off with an injury in the early minutes of the Crystal Palace game. He will miss the game with a groin injury. Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy are also doubtful for the game. Christian Atsu is also not available with an injury.
CHELSEA Predicted Lineup:
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Asmir Begovic (GK)
Asmir Begovic perhaps harshly lost his place in the Chelsea starting lineup following the return to full fitness of Thibaut Courtois but there is no doubting that the Bosnian star will get his chance in the clash against Scunthorpe.
Begovic is arguably the best second choice goalkeeper in the Premier League at the moment and he will surely be hopeful of keeping a clean sheet on the day.
Branislav Ivanovic (RB)
The Serbian right back has not been good this term but still is expected to start the match against the League 1 side.
Gary Cahill (CB)
The 35 year old legs of John Terry is likely to be handed a rest during the clash and the fit-again England International Gary Cahill looks the most likely replacement for the Chelsea skipper. He needs to impress the gaffer in this match if he has to cement his place in the starting 11.
Kurt Zouma (CB)
Alongside Cahill, the young Kurt Zouma seems certain to start at the heart of the backline who has impressed whenever given an opportunity and has developed into an integral member of the team.
Baba Rahman (LB)
Baba Rahman is expected to start at left-back with Cesar Azpilicueta who has been one the consistent performers for the Blues given a breather.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)
Cesc Fabregas is likely to be rested so Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be given a rare start in midfield.
Nemanja Matic (CM)
Nemanja Matic could come in for John Obi Mikel who has turned out to be a key player for Chelsea in recent weeks under Hiddink, after the Serbian international was left on the bench last time out.
Ramires (RWM)
Ramires could come in to the team to play in right wing with Willian given a breather and can be later replaced by young Kenedy,who looks to be a good candidate for the Stamford Bridge side in future.
Oscar (AM)
Oscar was in the news recently for his training ground scuffle with Diego Costa but the Brazilian looks set to be handed a start as Chelsea do not have too many options in the attacking midfield position.
Pedro Rodriguez (LWM)
With Eden Hazard being ruled out for the next two games with a groin injury, Spanish winger Pedro Rodriguez is expected to start.
Patrick Bamford (ST)
Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao have both been ruled out of the clash due to injuries and Diego Costa should also be provided with much needed rest. That leaves loan return young Patrick Bamford who had unhappy few months in Crystal Palace as the only option for Chelsea and there is no reason why Hiddink should be hesitant on starting with the talented attacker who has made so much name of himself with his consistent displays in Championship last season.