Chelsea will aim to kickstart the EFL Cup campaign with a victory on Wednesday, when they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge, with both sides having won 3-0 in the Premier League over the weekend.
This encounter acts as a replay of a recent league clash between the two teams earlier in September, with the Blues picking up a dominant 3-0 victory, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.
CHELSEA vs. ASTON VILLA
CHELSEA
Out: Edouard Mendy (hip)
Doubtful: Christian Pulisic (ankle)
Sports Mole's predicted XI: Arrizabalaga; Christensen, Chalobah, Azpilicueta; James, Niguez, Kovacic, Chilwell; Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Ziyech
ASTON VILLA
Out: Trezeguet (knee), Keinan Davis (knee), Jaden Philogene-Bidace (ankle), Carney Chukwuemeka (thigh)
Doubtful: Leon Bailey (thigh), John McGinn (concussion), Matty Cash (muscle),
Sports Mole's predicted XI: Steer; Konsa, Tuanzebe, Hause, Young; Nakamba, Sanson; Traore, Buendia, El Ghazi; Watkins