Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Premier League
By Tom Gott
Aston Villa have the unenviable task of trying to get their season going up against Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea on Saturday.
Dean Smith's side have lost one, won one and, most recently, drawn 1-1 with Brentford, leaving them 11th in the table after three games played, so they could do with finding their mojo again soon.
Here's how the boss could line up.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Jed Steer (GK) - Emi Martinez will still be in quarantine for this one, meaning a recall for Steer is on the cards. He's set to earn just his third Premier League appearance.
Matty Cash (RB) - Chelsea have been dangerous down the left this year, so Cash will have to be at his best to keep them at bay.
Ezri Konsa (CB) - Somehow still not part of the England setup, Konsa should be fully rested and will be relishing the chance to prove Gareth Southgate wrong (again).
Tyrone Mings (CB) - Suspended for England's meeting with Poland, Mings will come into this one with much-needed fresh legs.
Matt Targett (LB) - A target of Chelsea's in the past, Targett will likely keep his spot at left-back for this one.
2. Midfielders
Anwar El Ghazi (RM) - El Ghazi has been in fine goalscoring form so far this year but may be asked to do a little more defending this time around.
Douglas Luiz (CM) - Villa will be counting their lucky stars that Luiz was snubbed for the latest Brazil squad. He'll be free to play, and that comes as a huge boost for the Villains.
John McGinn (CM) - Freed from a Covid-enforced isolation, McGinn will be desperate to get things going again.
Ashley Young (LM) - Young has been used all over the shop so far this season and looks set to start this one as a defensive-minded winger.
3. Forwards
Danny Ings (ST) - With Emi Buendia joining Martinez in quarantine, expect Smith to finally turn to a 4-4-2 formation to get new-man Ings in alongside...
Ollie Watkins (ST) - Watkins' 11 minutes off the bench against Brentford were his first of the season, and he'll be hoping to build on them with another outing here.