This Saturday, two of the top five teams in the league will face off at Stamford Bridge. This match will be significant, as it could either allow the top three teams to create a gap or bring one side back into contention. Here’s the Chelsea team news ahead of this game, based on the latest updates from a pre-Christmas press conference. We’ll also provide a predicted lineup based on current information and previous selections.
Chelsea Team News & Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa
Recent Lineup for Chelsea
Robert Sanchez has been the regular starting goalkeeper, with Filip Jorgensen getting a chance in the Carabao Cup. The defense has featured Marc Cucurella, Wes Fofana, and Trevoh Chalobah, with Malo Gusto and Reece James available for the right side. Jorrel Hato, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Josh Acheampong have also been used when necessary.
Reece James has also been utilized in defensive midfield, alongside Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, and Moises Caicedo. In attack, Cole Palmer, Faundo Buonanotte, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittems, Enzo, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, and Liam Delap have been part of the front four.
Chelsea’s Recent Performance & Tactics
Coach Enzo Maresca typically sets the team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that adapts based on the opponent. The strategy emphasizes retaining possession and controlling the game, utilizing either central overloads or wide players to challenge defenses. The team aims to press high, building play through their center-backs.
With two wins in their last five matches, Chelsea’s form could be better. A victory against Cardiff stood out, while the 2-2 draw at Saint James’ Park felt like a morale boost. However, defensive issues have re-emerged, creating a barrier to climbing the league standings.
Chelsea Team News
The latest from PremierInjuries is encouraging, with two fewer injuries reported. Currently, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Dario Essugo are still unavailable. Liam Delap and Estevao are fit, but they may start on the bench for this match and feature against Bournemouth instead.
After a full week of rest, players should be fresh, although there may be some rotation due to the tight schedule, with matches just three days apart against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa
GK – Rob Sanchez
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Wesley Fofana
CB – Trevoh Chalobah
RB – Reece James
DM – Moises Caicedo
DM – Enzo Fernandez
AM – Cole Palmer
W – Alejandro Garnacho
W – Pedro Neto
ST – Joao Pedro
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