Guus Hiddink hints at Chelsea changes for Stoke game
Friday 4 March 2016 16:14, UK
Guus Hiddink hinted he will make changes to Chelsea's line-up against Stoke with their midweek Champions League game in mind.
The Blues take on Mark Hughes' men at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in the Premier League before preparing for the visit of Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Chelsea will need to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg in France if they are to progress beyond the first knockout round of the competition.
Hiddink could utilise some of his squad's younger players against the Potters and will not risk skipper John Terry or Spanish forward Pedro, who are recovering from injury.
"We made some changes in the previous games also, we played the youngsters and that is okay," he said. "Of course we have in mind the upcoming games on Wednesday and Saturday [an FA Cup quarter-final at Everton].
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We made some changes in the previous games also, we played the youngsters and that is okay.
"But - big but - we take all Premier League games seriously and we will have the same approach this weekend, too.
"We will not allow ourselves for this to be a pre-game for the Wednesday game, and it's not good for the team, either. They have to stay in the dynamic of previous weeks."
Terry has been sidelined since injuring a hamstring against Newcastle last month and is battling to be declared fit for the vital European tie with PSG.
"Terry is not fit to start this weekend and we'll see how he goes for Wednesday," said Hiddink. "He's not with the group yet and nor is Pedro, who hasn't trained this week.
"It's intense training before a match and it's too much of a risk. He has to prove his fitness before PSG. It depends on how he is in training, if it is possible, late on Monday. I will not take any risks with him."
