Aston Villavs.Chelsea

Amadou Onana (thigh), Boubacar Kamara (muscle) and Pau Torres (ankle) all remain sidelined with injuries, while Ezri Konsa, Leon Bailey (both unspecified) and Ross Barkley (calf) are all closing in on a return and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

Saturday's game may come too soon for any of the trio to start, though, while Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi is ineligible to face his parent club, so Unai Emery may call upon Lamare Bogarde to start in central defence alongside Tyrone Mings, as Lucas Digne retains his spot at left-back.

Andres Garcia made a costly error that led to the first goal Villa conceded in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, but the January signing is still expected to continue at right-back, as Matty Cash - who made a 25-minute cameo appearances off the substitutes' bench in that match - continues to build up his fitness having recently recovered from injury.

Youri Tielemans was on the scoresheet against Liverpool and is expected to link arms with John McGinn in centre-midfield, while Marco Asensio could once again be tasked with operating in the number 10 role.

Jacob Ramsey and Donyell Malen will both be pushing for a recall, but Emery may decide to stick with Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers on the flanks as Ollie Watkins, who scored his 12th Premier League goal of the season in midweek, leads the line.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Garcia, Bogarde, Mings, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Rogers, Asensio, Rashford; Watkins

Written by

Oliver Thomas