Chelsea will aim to continue their impressive run of form this weekend when they host Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge.
With just three points separating the two teams in the league standings, Sunday afternoon’s clash promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has expressed his admiration for Chelsea’s recent performances, but the Blues approach the game brimming with confidence.
Following the international break, Chelsea claimed a 2-1 victory against Leicester City in the league last Saturday.
They then maintained their momentum with a rotated lineup that secured a comfortable win over Heidenheim in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League group stage match.
Predicted Lineup Adjustments
As reported by The Chelsea Chronicle, manager Enzo Maresca is expected to make three changes to the side that defeated Leicester.
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez is anticipated to retain his position between the posts despite facing criticism for recent performances.
However, Filip Jorgensen is reportedly vying for a starting role, increasing competition for the spot.
Defense: Malo Gusto is likely to return to the starting XI at right-back, taking over from Benoit Badiashile.
Wesley Fofana is set to shift to center-back to partner Levi Colwill, forming a reliable defensive pairing.
On the left, Marc Cucurella is expected to maintain his spot after a series of consistent and strong performances.
Midfield: Although Enzo Fernandez impressed during the Leicester match, there is speculation that he may be rested.
If so, Romeo Lavia could step in to join Moises Caicedo in the midfield—a duo that has proven effective in key games.
Attack: Pedro Neto is tipped to make his way back into the starting XI, potentially relegating Joao Felix to the bench.
Meanwhile, Noni Madueke is likely to retain his position on the right flank, though his place in the lineup remains under scrutiny.
Cole Palmer, continuing to thrive in the No. 10 role, will look to provide creativity, while Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line as the central striker.
Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Busy Schedule Ahead
Chelsea faces a challenging December fixture list, which includes seven Premier League matches—a critical period to solidify their ambitions for a top-four finish.
The run begins with Aston Villa, followed by games against Southampton, Tottenham, Brentford, Everton, Fulham, and Ipswich.
With Enzo Maresca’s leadership yielding promising early results, these upcoming matches represent an important test for Chelsea’s youthful squad.
This packed schedule could play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s trajectory and defining their goals for the remainder of the season.
