Hiddink's Chelsea blueprint gathers pace with speedy Mancienne

17 February 2009 21:13
Guus Hiddink is considering handing central defender Michael Mancienne a first Barclays Premier League start at Aston Villa[LNB]on Saturday.[LNB]Mancienne, who played at right back in the 3-1 FA Cup victory over Watford lastweekend, has been thrust into contention because of injuries to Ricardo Carvalho(hamstring) and Alex (ankle), and doubts about the quality of Branislav Ivanovic.[LNB]Impressing: Mancienne[LNB] Hiddink watched several DVDs of Aston Villa's recent games yesterday afternoon and is already aware of the pace that Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor possess. [LNB]That has convinced the Dutch coach to prepare for several scenarios ahead of his first game in charge of Chelsea[LNB], including using Mancienne's speed to combat Villa's attacking threat.[LNB]Hiddink has been impressed with Mancienne's attitude in his first few days in charge and paired the 21-year-old with captain John Terry for most of yesterday's training session at Stamford Bridge, which was open to fans. [LNB]Terry said of the new coach: 'He's made a few changes and in training he got us to press more and play higher up the pitch. It looked sharp, with everyone fighting for their places again.'[LNB]Although Alex is expected to declare himself fit for Saturday lunchtime's clash, Mancienne emerged as a viable alternative during the hour-and-a-half practice session at the stadium.[LNB]Chelsea have conceded only 15 goals in the Premier League this season, but they have looked far from comfortable in recent weeks and Hiddink will not select players on reputation alone.[LNB] That is why inexperienced Mancienne, who was called into the England squad forthe friendly against Germany last November, has suddenly come into the first-teamreckoning.[LNB] Ballack backing new Chelsea boss Hiddink to catch Manchester United[LNB]Good luck Guus! Wenger says Hiddink will struggle to juggle two jobs[LNB]PICTURE SPECIAL: Chelsea open up the Bridge as kids watch the stars train[LNB]CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB][LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail