Chelsea predicted lineup vs Aston Villa - Premier League
By Max Parsons
Chelsea travel to Aston Villa on Boxing Day, as they attempt to keep the pressure on Manchester City and Liverpool at the Premier League summit.
The Blues have fallen six points behind league leaders City, courtesy of a run of form that has seen them win just three games in their previous eight Premier League outings. The Blues have lost just once in that time, but draws against Everton and Wolves in their last two have simply not been up to scratch.
Thomas Tuchel's men will be buoyed by a midweek Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Brentford, though. Now they face a daunting task against an Aston Villa side that has shown hugely promising signs under new boss Steven Gerrard.
Here's who Tuchel could field to get a much-needed win.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Aston Villa - Premier League
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Kepa Arrizabalaga kept a clean sheet in midweek, but Chelsea's number one will surely be reinstated for this Premier League clash.
Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - Played alongside Cesar Azpliicueta in midweek and, while both played well, Chalobah's younger legs could be favoured here.
Thiago Silva (CB) - The 37-year-old was rested on Wednesday night but should be brought back into the fold for a fifth consecutive Premier League start.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - Wasn't present for the win over Brentford, either, but the colossal German will surely come back into the side for this one.
2. Wing-backs & midfielders
Reece James (RWB) - Enjoyed a very impactful 25-minute cameo at Brentford and will certainly be involved from the outset as his side visit Villa.
N'Golo Kante (CM) - Was also a deciding factor after coming on from the bench in midweek and, after being afforded a slight rest following a straining performance at Wolves, the Frenchman should be fit to start here.
Jorginho (CM) - His penalty sealed Chelsea's progression to the League Cup semi-finals last time out, and he should be set for a return to the starting XI.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Ben Chilwell, despite having now tested negative for Covid-19, will remain absent through injury, so Alonso will continue on the left flank.
3. Forwards
Mason Mount (RW) - On a fine run of individual form a the moment, looking to add to his four goals and two assists in his previous five Premier League appearances.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) - The Belgian - courtesy of new government guidelines - should be out of isolation this week after receiving the first of two negative Covid-19 results and, if fit for selection, could come straight back into the fold to introduce the sort of clinical touch that has been absent of late.
Christian Pulisic (LW) - Callum Hudson-Odoi is in the same boat as Lukaku but, with Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz out of action, Pulisic remains a suitable option at left-wing for Tuchel.