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da heads bet： The change in regime at Chelsea has not been kind to Cesc Fabregas.
While it became increasingly evident throughout last season that the Spaniard lacked the legs to be dependable for 90 minutes in a midfield two, Maurizio Sarri’s much-adored playmaking role at the base of the engine room seemed perfect for the ageing maestro – only for the incoming Blues boss to quickly invest in a younger model, Jorginho, who also happens to operate as his on-pitch general.
Chances in more advanced midfield positions have been hard to come by too. In fact, following the summer arrival of Mateo Kovacic, the sudden resurgence of Ross Barkley and a solid World Cup from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabregas is effectively fourth in the pecking order for the third slot in Chelsea’s midfield – the others occupied by the aforementioned Jorginho and the ever-present, world-class N’Golo Kante.
But it shouldn’t be forgotten how talented a player Fabregas is, and when opportunities have arose this term he’s continued to show it. The Spaniard was the Man of the Match in the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool and again in the subsequent encounter with Derby County, demonstrating his capacity to orchestrate and pop up with a goal from deep midfield. In the Premier League though, Sarri has afforded Fabregas a mere three substitute outings so far – combining to a total of just 48 minutes.
But amid doubts over Kovacic’s availability after suffering an injury on international duty, this weekend is perhaps the perfect time to bring Fabregas back in from the cold. Now aged 31, he’s inevitably far less dynamic than Barkley or Loftus-Cheek, but the former Arsenal captain does boast something unique in this battle for selection – an impeccable record against Saturday’s opponents Tottenham Hotspur.
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Indeed, 17 appearances have produced two goals and a whopping twelve assists, albeit four of those coming in one season alone. In 2007/08, Arsenal did the double over Spurs in the Premier League and Fabregas played a hand in all five of the goals they scored, the four setups alongside one strike of his own.
Admittedly, for Chelsea he’s only managed one assist, which ironically came in the 5-3 defeat at White Hart Lane on New Year’s Day 2015. But the 5 foot 10 playmaker has still won four of eight encounters with the north Londoners while donning the Blue jersey, and that’s largely in line with his career win rate of 59%.
So Chelsea fans, who would you prefer to start as the Blues’ third midfielder at Wembely this weekend? Let us know by voting below…