Premier League giants Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league when they take on Aston Villa on Monday night. The Blues had been in excellent form coming into the busy holiday period, but their recent results have thrown a massive spanner in Lampard’s plans for the new year. The Blues have lost three out of their last four Premier League games, with the only win coming in the 3-0 London derby victory against West Ham United. Whether or not the Pensioners can bounce back from this slump is the biggest question surrounding them right now.
As bad as the defeats to Wolves and Everton over the last few weeks were, they certainly didn’t have the impact that the 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Boxing Day did. Not only were Chelsea completely outplayed from the opening whistle, but they were unable to display any of the attacking firepower that the faithful Blues fans so proudly boast. Chelsea now sit in 7th place with 25 points on the board, although they have played at least a game more than most other teams in the top ten of the table.
Team News
Frank Lampard’s Blues have seemingly been hit with their second wave of injuries this season, as Reece James and Ben Chilwell, both of who started the game against the Gunners, aren’t fully fit. Hakim Ziyech is another player who is a doubt for this clash, while Callum Hudson-Odoi has now made it back into the eleven. The absence of Ziyech is undoubtedly the one that has hurt Chelsea the most, as the creativity and directness he offers from the right-flank is one of their biggest sources of attacking penetration.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Aston Villa:
Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Aston Villa
Defence
Edouard Mendy has been the first-choice keeper at Chelsea since his arrival from Rennes in the summer, with Kepa Arrizabalaga now stuck with a place on the Blues’ bench. The Senegalese stopper hasn’t been in the best of form over recent fixtures, but Lampard will be hoping that he gets back to his best. In front of him, expect the manager to rest Thiago Silva, with Antonio Rudiger likely to partner Kurt Zouma in the heart of the defence. Cesar Azpilicueta and Emerson are expected to replace James and Chilwell in the full-back slots.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante was one of the multiple Blues players who struggled in the defeat to Arsenal, but that shouldn’t keep the Frenchman from starting once again on Monday afternoon. Although Mateo Kovacic started the game on the weekend, he was substituted at half-time, which means that Jorginho is likely to keep his place in the eleven. The Italian will be tasked with conducting play and ensuring that the ball keeps ticking from side to side. Kai Havertz is set to be the third name on the midfield line.
Attack
Chelsea’s attacking display against the Gunners was questionable, to say the least, and this could prompt Lampard to make some changes in the front-line. Tammy Abraham is the first player who could be replaced, with French international striker Olivier Giroud expected to come into the eleven in the Englishman’s stead. Timo Werner was another Chelsea player who was hooked at half-time by Lampard, and he could be replaced in the team by Callum Hudson-Odoi. Christian Pulisic is the only player who is likely to keep his place.
