Chelsea prediction: Probable Blues XI to face Aston Villa
Chelsea are set to host Dean Smith’s Aston Villa on Sunday at Stamford Bridge when the league resumes after a 15-week break.
Frank Lampard’s men have done a decent job so far and the youngsters in the squad have led the team brilliantly. With 14 wins and 6 draws, the Blues are currently in 4th position in the league standings. They need to be at their best for the remainder of the season if they are to avoid falling out of the top four.
On the other hand, the Villans would be hoping to salvage a point or two, especially in the hopes of moving out of the relegation zone.
Team News
Chelsea have made full use of the enforced break, nursing a host of injured players back to full fitness. The manager has almost all of his first-team players available for selection. However, Jorginho will be a notable absentee as he is set to serve the final match of his two-game ban.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
The former Athletic Bilbao man has forced his way back into the first-team after missing several games due to a dip in his performances. He is expected to start in goal ahead of Willy Caballero.
Reece James (RB)
Though Cesar Azpilicueta has enough experience than the youngster, James has been the better of the two in recent months. He should be given the nod ahead of the Spaniard.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
The Blues defence looked shaky until the German returned from injury. He came back and also helped them secure a draw against Leicester City with 2 goals and his presence in the heart of the defence would be a massive boost.
Kurt Zouma (CB)
The Frenchman has not lived up to the expectations and he needs to be at his best for the remainder of the campaign.
Marcos Alonso (LB)
Alonso was at his best against Tottenham despite falling down the pecking order under Lampard earlier in the season. He should be given the nod ahead of the others and should prove a point to the manager.
N’Golo Kante (CDM)
The Frenchman is also one of the players who has struggled with injuries this season. He is expected to start after returning to full fitness.
Mateo Kovacic (LCM)
Kovacic has been a revelation at Chelsea this season. He is one of the best players in the squad and has already picked up a goal and 3 assists. He is an undoubted starter.
Mason Mount (RCM)
The 21-year-old has already established himself as a key player under Lampard. His creativity will be key in unlocking Villa’s defence. He has scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists so far, and would be hoping to do well against the West Midlanders.
Christian Pulisic (RW)
The USA international has struggled to claim the spot for himself. He has already shown his potential and needs to get better. The remainder of the season would be a big step in his preparation for next season.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW)
Hudson-Odoi has faced ups and downs throughout the campaign but he has done a decent job whenever he has received his opportunity. He should be able to claim the spot for himself by developing his game.
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Tammy Abraham (ST)
The young striker has been brilliant so far with 13 goals and would be leading the attack. He would be hoping to add to his tally in the game on Sunday.
