Chelsea restart their 2019-20 Premier League campaign this weekend as they take on Aston Villa away from home on Sunday.
Villa played against Sheffield United in midweek and the match resulted in a 0-0 draw which is a great confidence booster for the home side given the position they are on the league table right now.
Chelsea, on the other hand, might not have found a better match to resume their schedule since the Blues have won 9 of their last 10 matches against Aston Villa in all competitions and Lampard’s men are expected to pick up all three points on Sunday as well.
Villa do not expect to win this game but if Dean Smith’s side can manage to hold on for a draw then it will be a major blow for Chelsea and their hopes of retaining their Champions League status next season.
Chelsea team news vs Aston Villa:
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been in poor form so far this season but the Spanish keeper should reprise his role between the sticks during the weekend.
Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger should start in central defence for the Blues but young Reece James could miss this clash due to a knock. If the academy graduate cannot be fully fit and available for selection then Azpilicueta will start at right-back while Marcos Alonso is expected to start at left-back.
Jorginho is suspended for this game due to a red card meaning N’Golo Kante will be back in the defensive midfielder’s role against Aston Villa.
Mateo Kovacic is also expected to start in central midfield while Mason Mount plays a bit further up the pitch. But with Ruben Loftus-Cheek returning from injury, some experts think the England international could also be handed a start by Frank Lampard.
Willian looks all set to leave Chelsea in the summer but the Brazilian is still a key player in the Blues squad this season and he will start on the right-wing ahead of Pedro.
Pulisic will play on the left-hand side of the pitch with Callum Hudson-Odoi recovering from an ankle injury and the youngster is not expected to be part of the matchday squad against Villa on Sunday.
The Blues have managed to sign Timo Werner from RB Leipzig which is a clear warning sign for forward Tammy Abraham. The England international should be using the rest of the matches this season to prove his worth to Lampard.
Injuries via Premier Injuries.
