The Chelsea lineup that should start against Aston Villa

Chelsea are on the brink of seven days of complete torture.

First, the Blues must secure their place in the Premier League top four by beating Aston Villa, or face the chilling prospect of missing out on the Champions League and instead entering the dreaded Europa League.

Fear not though, Blues. Should the worst case scenario unfold on Sunday, then one crack at redemption still remains. Thomas Tuchel's men have earned themselves a place in Europe's biggest contest - the Champions League final.

Win that, and whatever happens on Sunday will be irrelevant. Still, it's best not to leave everything down to a single match against Premier League champions Manchester City, right?

So what does Tuchel do? Does he rest players ahead of the big game? Does he go full strength against Villa and risk injuries or even more fatigue? It's a tough call, but we've given it a go.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Edouard Mendy (GK) - No funny business with Kepa Arrizabalaga, eh? Let's just get Mendy between those sticks, and let him do his stuff. The Blues are in capable hands.

Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) - Experience is key, and this backline has got plenty of it. Azpilicueta will offer his 31 years of wisdom to shore up the right side of the defence, and keep an eye on Jack Grealish. Good luck.

Thiago Silva (CB) - Andreas Christensen should be back to full fitness for this one, but Tuchel may prefer to give him maximum rest and rely on Silva instead. What a plethora of options they have.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - If you need players up for the fight, then look no further than Rudiger. The German defender was eyeing a brawl from minute one against Leicester City in midweek, and he'll be keen to scrap for the Chelsea blue on Sunday, too.

2. Wing-backs & midfielders

Reece James (RWB) - An unbelievable talent. There are few better right-backs in Europe, so James simply has to start against Villa, and the same goes for the Man City clash, too.

Jorginho (CM) - He may get a bit of grief online, but Jorginho is an excellent midfielder. He can help Chelsea control the game against Villa, and hopefully bring home the three points.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - No N'Golo Kante for this one, so a Jorginho-Kovacic midfield partnership will have to do. Not exactly a bad Plan B, is it? The Croatian star will add plenty of dynamism to the match.

Ben Chilwell (LWB) - I don't care how many annoying goals Marcos Alonso scores, just put Chilwell in the team! He's the best left-back at the club, and he can be a decisive presence in both boxes.

3. Forwards

Hakim Ziyech (RW) - Kai Havertz is still working his way back to fitness after picking up a little knock, so it presents Ziyech with the chance to strut his stuff. A quality player.

Timo Werner (ST) - For the love of God, Timo, stay onside. Do this, and you will score a lot more goals, which will actually count. Werner's got to hone his game, but there is no margin for error in the next week.

Mason Mount (LW) - When Mount starts, Chelsea sparkle. He's the difference in the final third, and they need him in both matches if they are to reach the promised land of European glory.