Chelsea’s recent struggles against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge could come to an end this Sunday, as Enzo Maresca’s side looks to secure a victory.
The Blues are in fine form, having remained unbeaten in their last five matches, while Villa has not won in their past seven outings. With Chelsea on the rise and Villa faltering, the home team has a great chance to climb the Premier League standings with a win.
Maresca was able to rotate his squad midweek, keeping his key players fresh for the upcoming clash. With a nearly full-strength squad available, Chelsea is looking strong for the weekend.
Here is the predicted lineup for Chelsea on Sunday.
GK: Robert Sanchez – Filip Jorgensen continues to impress in the cup competitions and is knocking on the door for a Premier League start. However, despite continually shaky displays, Sanchez remains Maresca’s preferred number one.
RB: Malo Gusto – With Reece James injured for the foreseeable future, Gusto’s return will be welcomed with open arms by Maresca. The Frenchman has missed the last two games but is set to make the XI on Sunday.
CB: Wesley Fofana – Fofana operated at right-back in last weekend’s win over Leicester and did a sterling job against his former side. He will be relieved by Gusto’s return, however, allowing him to move back to centre-half.
CB: Levi Colwill – Colwill has been an ever-present for Maresca this season and will have to be on high alert against his international teammate Ollie Watkins. The Villa striker has scored on 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 overly concerned by Bailey.
DM: Moises Caicedo – Caicedo has helped shore up the Chelsea midfield this season having blossomed under Maresca’s guidance. The indefatigable Morgan Rogers will make him earn his wage this weekend.
DM: Enzo Fernandez – Thriving in a box-to-box role last weekend at the King Power Stadium, scoring and assisting in the East Midlands, Fernandez has hugely impressed in recent weeks for club and country.
RW: Noni Madueke – Always a menace in the final third, Madueke must work on becoming a tad more consistent with his final ball. He’s earned the backing of Maresca following some impressive performances on the right flank.
AM: Cole Palmer – If it weren’t for Madueke blocking his tap-in last weekend, Palmer would have ended his mini-drought. He is now three games without a goal but tends to save his best for Stamford Bridge.
LW: Joao Felix – Pedro Neto is expected to feature in some capacity but Felix showed his ability to offer something unique against Leicester. Drifting more centrally, the Portuguese dazzled with some neat touches and link-up play.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – Jackson produced the finish of a seasoned striker at the King Power as 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.