Chelsea have failed to beat Aston Villa in any of their last three meetings at Stamford Bridge, but Enzo Maresca’s side have an excellent chance to end that run on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues have made an impressive start to the season and are unbeaten in their previous five outings, while their weekend opponents are winless in their last seven games. With Chelsea flying and Villa stuttering, the former can continue their climb up the Premier League table with victory in west London.
Maresca was fortunate to make ten changes to his midweek starting XI for the trip to Heidenheim, leaving Chelsea’s first-string line-up fresh for the Villa clash. Apart from Reece James and youngster Omari Kellyman, the Blues look to have a full squad for Sunday.
Here’s how Chelsea might queue on sunday.
GK: Robert Sánchez – Filip Jorgensen continues to impress in cup competitions and is knocking on the door for a Premier League start However, despite continually shaky displays, Sanchez remains Maresca’s number one favourite.
RB: Bad flight – With Reece James injured for the foreseeable futureGusto’s return will be welcomed with open arms by Maresca. The Frenchman has missed the last two games, but is ready to make the eleven on Sunday.
CB: Wesley Fofana – Fofana operated at right-back in last weekend’s win over Leicester and did an excellent job against his former team. However, he will be relieved by the return of Gusto, who will allow him to return to central midfield.
CB: Levi Colwill – Colwill has been ubiquitous for Maresca this season and will have to be on the alert for fellow international Ollie Watkins. The Village The striker has scored in his last two trips to Stamford Bridge.
LB: Marc Cucurella – The Spaniard has re-established himself as the preferred left-back and will be tasked with keeping the lively but inconsistent Leon Bailey quiet. Having stifled Bukayo Saka at Stamford Bridge before the international break, Cucurella won’t be too worried about Bailey.
DM: Moises Caicedo – Caicedo has helped bolster Chelsea’s midfield this season after flourishing under Maresca. The indefatigable Morgan Rogers will earn his salary this weekend.
DM: Enzo Fernández – Prosper in a box-to-box role last weekend at the King Power Stadium, scoring and attending East MidlandsFernández has impressed enormously in recent weeks for club and country.
RW: Noni Madueke – Always a threat in the final third, Madueke needs to work on being a bit more consistent with his final ball. He has won the support of Maresca after some impressive performances at right-back.
AM: Cole Palmer – If not for Madueke blocking his entry last weekend, Palmer would have ended his mini-drought. He is now three games without a goal, but tends to save the best for Stamford Bridge.
LW: Joao Felix – Pedro Neto is expected to feature in some way, but Felix showed his ability to provide something unique against Leicester. In the more central drift, the Portuguese dazzled with some neat touches and link-up play.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – Jackson produced the end of an experienced forward in the King Power like him he continued his excellent goalscoring form. The Senegal international’s place in the side is assured despite the ruthless Christopher Nkunku breathing down his neck.
