Chelsea team news: Jose Mourinho may not be allowed into the Britannia Stadium on Saturday when the Blues face Stoke City in a must-win Premier League clash, but he is clearly still keen to have a big influence on the match.
The disgraced Portuguese coach has opted to make to notable changes to his side following their midweek victory over Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League.
The Pensioners lacked fluidity in that match, and only secured a late victory thanks to a fine Willian effort.
Consequently, Cesc Fabregas, who played as a No. 10 against the Ukrainian side and looked lethargic, has been dropped, while he is joined in the stands by Oscar, who misses out despite a lively showing in midweek.
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They are replaced by Pedro, who will likely take the wide role that Oscar took up in the Champions League, and Eden Hazard, who will be looking to build on his encouraging late cameo against Kiev.
Hazard has been out of sorts so far this season—like many of his teammates—and is yet to find the net in the Premier League. He has featured in 11 games so far this season—10 of which have been starts—but has managed only two assists.