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Guus Hiddink will be speaking LIVE to the media at 11am on Friday morning at the club's Cobham training complex.

This is Chelsea's first game back in the Premier League following the conclusion of the international break and should be an easy three points against managerless Villa.

Villa are bottom of the table and have looked like relegation favourites for much of the season, with their poor form costing Remi Garde his job this week.

Hiddink's Blues have little to play for now but will want to put in a good display for the travelling fans and go one better than the draw they salvaged against West Ham last time out.

That's all, folks

Thanks once again for tuning in to our live coverage of Guus Hiddink’s pre-match press conference.

As Hiddink ponders a possible debut for the enigmatic Alexandre Pato, here are some of the highlights from the briefing today.

  • International players may not be ready for tomorrow’s clash
  • Villa will be scrapping for their lives
  • Diego Costa and Eden Hazard remain unavailable
  • John Terry could yet return to the Blues as manager
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Hiddink wishes the Blues had something to fight for

Chelsea have had a lacklustre season, knocked out of all competitions now with only league consolation to fight for.

It means that Blues boss Hiddink has the freedom to manipulate his side and can give chances to youngsters.

But, he says, he would prefer for Chelsea to be roaring on all fronts.

He said: “I don’t want to neglect that. But it’s nice to work on a daily basis on the pitch, especially when they are like they are now - they like to play.

“But I would have preferred to be breaking my mind as to how to play, who to play. It’s not preferable.”

Eden Hazard and Gary Cahill in discussion during a Chelsea training session
(Image: Alex Morton/Getty Images)
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A thriller at Villa Park?

The nature of managerial switches in the Premier League usually means a team finds a new resurgence under a new head coach.

Villa have replaced Remi Garde with Eric Black, on an interim basis, and the Midlands side will be desperate for something to cling on to.

And the Chelsea boss expects Villa to put up a strong battle.

He said: “I expect that tomorrow. I saw the last Aston Villa match. They are without Garde now but they were playing with ambition before the break - Swansea. I saw parts of it.

“There, the team looked fresh and playing with ambition. Even now there’s a change there tends to be a reaction.

“We can expect an entertaining game.”

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini (left) with Aston Villa's manager Remi Garde, during the Emirates FA Cup, fourth round match at Villa Park, Birmingham. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday January 30, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Villa. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
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Overseas players may not be available

Chelsea have had an influx of their players returning from international duty today, with the Brazilians most prominent in the arrivals.

Oscar and Willian lead those returning, and with an early Saturday kick-off, Guus is sceptical that they will be fit to start tomorrow.

The Dutchman said: “As I said before, when it’s difficult to reach targets, then I think, not to neglect the FA and Champions League, then one thing coming up for me is the joy and pride to still play for a big club.

“The players must show, and they show it in training, there are none without motivation, I couldn’t stand that.

“They like to play, not by obligation but by heart.”

“Today, it’s difficult, we’ve got all players flying in today - Oscar, Traore and Willian. We will see how fit they are tomorrow morning.”

Brazilian magic: Willian dribbles with the ball
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Agbonlahor suspension

Gabby Agbonlahor has seen Aston Villa suspend him while they investigate claims into his alleged smoking of a shisha pipe.

It means that Villa will be without the forward for their tie against Chelsea tomorrow.

But Hiddink refused to comment, having not heard about the claims until questioned in the conference.

He added: “I don’t know about that. But if the new manager thinks he must stipulate that then yeah. It’s difficult for me not knowing the facts.”

Interim manager Guus Hiddink of Chelsea talks to the media
(Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Thibaut Courtois on his way out?

The Chelsea goalkeeper has been a gigantic figure for the Blues since returning from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

Courtois has kept his side in games this season single-handedly, and the huge Belgian has drawn admiring glances from the world’s top sides.

And after admitting that he may not be at Stamford Bridge next season, his manager has been quick to shoot down the comments as being ‘lost in translation.’

Hiddink said: “I don’t know if he said it, I haven’t read it. He is formally under contract, he and his family like to be in London, in the club, so it’s difficult to say.

“I don’t know, I always like to give comment when I have talked about an issue which might be a little tricky. I also like the opinion of the player as well. Sometimes things can be miscommunicated. Knowing him a bit, I like to go in that way, and talk to him first. I don’t want to overvalue it in his comments.”

Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic (centre), Oscar (left) and Thibaut Courtois dejected after the UEFA Champions League, Round of Sixteen, Second Leg match at Stamford Bridge, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday March 9, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Chelsea. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire.
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'Special' Johann Cruyff was level-headed

The footballing wizard passed away last week after losing his battle with cancer, and Hiddink was asked of his experience of the man.

And the Dutchman could not pour enough praise on the man so good he invented a footballing move - and style.

He added: “He was in the top three, four of players. His way of playing, I played against him a few times. I had him in Spain in our encounters, and several meetings with him.

“He renewed the way of playing. He renewed the way of thinking about football for managers.

“On top of that he is very relaxed. He was very accessible. When big, big names are approached by unknown people, some are distant. He was always very accessible.”

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El Clasico showdown will be huge after Cryuff loss

Real Madrid face old enemies Barcelona tomorrow evening at the Nou Camp.

The occasion will be as fierce as ever, but Hiddink expects there to be a respectful relationship between the two after the passing of Dutch maestro Johann Cryuff.

He said: “It’s huge. Sometimes you lose control because it has such an impact. Barcelona vs Real Madrid - there’s a culture and political impact.

“You cannot describe how the feelings are in this country. And now, especially, it’s a clasico with a lot of mutual respect because everyone knows this week Johann Cryuff deceased and it will be an influence in and around the game.

“It will be a special clasico.”

Ramos shoves Puyol in the face during Real's 5-0 Clasico humiliation
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Costa and Hazard remain unavailable

Now for some team news from Stamford Bridge.

Diego Costa remains suspended following his clash with Gareth Barry in the FA Cup exit at Goodison Park.

But Belgian winger Eden Hazard is not yet back to full fitness.

Hiddink said: “Not yet, no injury update. Eden Hazard is not available yet. He is on the pitch, with the physio. Outside the group.

“Costa trained well the past week, he is not injured anymore.”

Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard runs
(Image: KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images)
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Pato set to play

The Brazilian forward hauled in during the January transfer window has yet to come off the bench for the Blues.

But with Chelsea edging closer to the end of the season and with nothing left to play for Hiddink suggested his time has come.

After all, there is nothing to lose for Hiddink.

He said: “Will he be actively involved? We will see tomorrow. We have now eight games coming up, but there isn’t much to play for so it might be time for experiments.

“He has worked very hard in the international break.

“I have tried to make fair judgement and give others knocking on the door - like Traore - fair opportunity as well.”

Alexandre Pato of Chelsea
(Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
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Could Terry be a future Blue manager?

The Chelsea ‘captain, leader, legend’ is set to leave the club in summer with the Blues not yet declaring whether they will extend his stay.

Terry has been their long-term skipper and Hiddink was asked whether he could yet return as manager.

And he did not rule it out.

Hiddink said: “He is, and has been a leader. Regarding his near future, it’s difficult for me to give a judgement.

“In some players, not just here, you see while they are playing that there might be managers inside while they are playing.

“You see that most of the time, in the midfield positions, or the centre-backs, you see these guys are already leaders in the team.

“I liked it always as a manager, you have players who execute your game plan on the pitch.

“You need the tactical, strategical players. I have had examples of this in my career who are know good managers.

“In my first spell in Eindhoven we had Ronald (Koeman). Of course, Sanchez Flores too at Valencia.

“They need then, a little bit extra - courses to teach them little things - but theses things can be learned.”

701 man: Chelsea skipper John Terry leads his side out after his 700th appearance last weekend
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John Terry finished with England?

England manager Roy Hodgson admitted earlier this week that the country is missing Terry in defence.

The Blues captain was outcast from his national side after an incident with Anton Ferdinand caused factions with him and brother Rio.

But asked whether his skipper could yet play again for England, Hiddink seemed doubtful.

He said: “John decided one, two, three years ago. I don’t know. What i know is that he likes to play football.

“We didn’t talk about that (whether he wishes to play for England again).”

Any chance of a contract extension at Chelsea? “That is not up to me in this moment.”

Applause: Chelsea skipper John Terry
(Image: Getty)
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Guus has sympathy for Remi Garde

Saturday’s opponents are rock bottom of the Premier League with a points tally which has left them without a prayer of survival.

And Guus Hiddink feels sympathy for the Villains, but is no longer surprised by their plight.

“Not now anymore, but they are struggling all season already. From history, yes, it’s a surprise, it’s one of the biggest clubs in England.

“But not regarding their status during the whole season.

“It’s different, not comparable with our situation, but when we started we were very near them.

“I imagine if you cannot come out of that, then you are in trouble.

“It’s very difficult to manage that, fortunately I haven’t had that experience but I can imagine it might damage the team, their confidence.”

Interim manager Guus Hiddink of Chelsea talks to the media
(Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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We're ready to start...

Guus Hiddink has wandered into the building, and it’s time to hear his thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s match.

The former Netherlands boss will has issued his usual ‘good morning.’

And we’re off!

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Lamps sees better things for Chelsea

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has had his say on the impending arrival of Antonio Conte to the Stamford Bridge helm.

The former Blues midfielder, who made 648 appearances for Chelsea, has been impressed by the prestige of their new manager.

And he believes the Stamford Bridge side will be resurgent next season as a result.

“I don’t know him too well but he’s got a great pedigree, a great recent record with Juventus,” Lampard told BT Sport.

Read more here

MAY 15: (L-R) Juan Mata, Mikel John Obi, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea celebrate with the trophy during the UEFA Europa League Final
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Agbonlahor angst for Villa

Some team news from the Aston Villa camp and it appears it is not a happy April 1 for Gabby Agbonlahor.

The former England forward has been suspended while an internal investigation is ongoing.

He was allegedly pictured smoking shisha pipes while the team were on holiday in Dubai.

Read more here

Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke look dejected after Charlie Austin (not pictured) scores the third goal for QPR
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Showdown of the caretakers?

Chelsea’s battle with Aston Villa sets up a rather unsavoury clash between two sides who are currently in limbo.

The Blues, chasing for Europe with their season all but over, can look forward to a new era under Antonio Conte next season but Saturday’s opponents face much bleaker fortunes.

The Claret and Blue side are all but relegated, and former Arsenal defender Remi Garde has just walked out on the club.

Anyway, here are Dan Levene’s thoughts on the whole situation and the fiasco surrounding ‘interim’ managers.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Remi Garde Manager of Aston Villa looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park on March 1, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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Back in training

The international break is over and the players have been back at Cobham for the past few days.

Here’s a quick look behind-the-scenes at the Surrey facility.

Radamel Falcao is working on a training drill in this clip, courtesy of Chelsea, from yesterday’s session.

Could he feature against Villa?

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Morning folks

Good morning everyone and welcome to today’s LIVE coverage of Guus Hiddink’s Chelsea press conference.

Interim manager Hiddink will be addressing the media at the club’s Cobham training ground at 11am and we’ll be bringing you live updates from the boss.

Chelsea return to action at Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime following the conclusion of the international break.

And the Blues will fancy their chances against a shambolic side who look destined for relegation from the Premier League.

Villa are bottom of the pile at the business end of term, having just sacked manager Remi Garde this week.

We’ll find out what Hiddink makes of that decision and plenty more when he arrives here shortly.

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink gives a press conference
(Image: Alex Morton/Getty Images)
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