Aston Villavs.Chelsea

Noni Madueke pulled up with a hamstring injury in Chelsea's 3-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion last time out and has joined Nicolas Jackson, Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman (all hamstring), Romeo Lavia (muscle) and Marc Guiu (groin) in the treatment room.

Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended) also remains unavailable for selection, while Benoit Badiashile is closing in on a return from a thigh problem and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

While Filip Jorgensen is set to continue between the sticks, Enzo Maresca will weigh up whether to recall Reece James and Tosin Adarabioyo to his backline at the expense of Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah. Both Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella are set to retain their spots at centre-back and left-back respectively, though.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are the most likely duo to start in centre-midfield, while Jadon Sancho could be recalled at the expense of the injured Madueke to start on the left flank, allowing Pedro Neto to move over to the right.

Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer failed to make the desired impact in attack as they shared the false nine role against Brighton. Both players are expected to start again in central roles on Saturday, though, with the latter hoping to end a run of five straight games without scoring or assisting a goal.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Jorgensen; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku

Written by

Oliver Thomas