Chelsea will face Aston Villa at home tonight as the Blues look to get back to winning ways.
The Londoners fought hard to secure a 1-1 draw despite being down to 10-men against Liverpool before the break. But they will be confident of securing a result against the Villans who have yet to get into rhythm with a spate of new signings over the summer.
Villa will also be missing a couple of their key players in Emi Martinez and Emiliano Buendia which sets them on the backfoot even before a ball is kicked.
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Christian Pulisic (ankle), N’Golo Kante (ankle) and Reece James (suspended) will all miss the fixture but Thomas Tuchel has received a boost in the form of the availability of Thiago Silva, who will be allowed to play with FIFA lifting the ban on the Brazilian players.
Romelu Lukaku has also been passed fit after complaining of a thigh niggle earlier in the week.
PREDICTED CHELSEA LINEUP VS ASTON VILLA (3-4-2-1)
DEFENCE
Edouard Mendy will be stationed in goal. He will be confident of keeping a clean sheet after an impressive display against Liverpool.
The late announcement of Thiago Silva’s availability is unlikely to affect his participation.
The back three of the Chelsea lineup could consist of Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger.
MIDFIELD
With Reece James suspended, Cesar Azpilicueta might have to deputize at right wing-back. Callum Hudson-Odoi is also an alternative.
We might finally see a change on the left with Ben Chilwell now expected to be up to speed. He could replace Marcos Alonso today which will kickstart a rotation pattern we could see often down the line, especially when the fixtures start coming thick and fast.
With N’Golo Kante injured and Saul Niguez unlikely to be thrust into action straightaway, we could see the pair of Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho in central midfield of the Chelsea lineup.
ATTACK
The likes of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount were heavily involved over the international break but given their importance to the team and the injury to Christian Pulisic, we could see the duo be handed starts once again behind the main striker.
Hakim Ziyech is an option if Havertz is handed a rest.
Romelu Lukaku has been passed fit and will lead the Chelsea lineup.
