Chelsea are expected to line up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Diego Costa. Subs: Begovic, Baba, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Oscar, Pato, Traore. Sunderland are expected to line up in the following 4-1-4-1 formation: Mannone; Yedlin, Kone, Kaboul, Van Aanholt; Kirchhoff; Borini, M'Vila, Cattermole (c), Khazri; Defoe. Subs: Pickford, O'Shea, Larsson, Rodwell, N'Doye, Lens, Watmore. Today's referee is Mike Jones.
Apparently Hiddink's compensation is highly linked to league finish and that's why he isn't giving the kids more of a chance. It's inexcusable that RPC, Traore, Kenedy and Baba aren't playing.
You'd think they would give our back four a better protection/cover, but they're so slow in closing down the opposition. Rather see RLC in the second half or Oscar even.
Worst game of the season from Willian. Giving the ball away every time he touches it. Needs a rest, I'm sure. Should probably be playing the kids, but whatever I want to finish as high as possible in the table. Getting players like Matic and Hazard back to some kind of form is probably going to be more beneficial for the club than a throwaway game for some of the younger players. Costa should have a hat trick by now.
Also, that may be John's last game for us. That was his 2nd red this season and I think that means a 2 game ban.
Looks like it was one occasion when people with money can be really, REALLY stupid when it comes to it. If we give the kids a run-out and they get more confidence, that's an investment for the future. How is it going to make any difference if we finish 8th or 11th at the end of the season?