Chelsea will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they take on Aston Villa on Boxing Day. The reigning European champions have dropped points in their last two league matches, allowing Manchester City and Liverpool to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League standings. Another mishap could see the Blues potentially get knocked out of the title race as we head towards the midway point of the campaign.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup Vs Aston Villa
Defence
Thomas Tuchel rested most of his star defenders in the midweek Carabao Cup game against Brentford. He is likely to bring them back into the fold, with Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva more than guaranteed to replace Malang Sarr and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Trevoh Chalobah, on the other hand, may end up retaining his place in the side, as Tuchel looks to hand Azpilicueta a breather. As such, the youngster is set to form the three-man Chelsea backline alongside Silva and Rudiger, as the Blues look for their third back to back clean sheets in all competitions.
Speaking of clean sheets, Edouard Mendy earned a welcome shutout in his last game against Wolves. And after sitting out midweek’s encounter against Brentford, the Senegalese international is set to return in goal, at the expense of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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Midfield
After missing a plethora of his star players last weekend, Tuchel will have the privilege of having a few of his midfielders back in contention. Mateo Kovacic notably started in midweek and may retain his place in the side.
The Croatian international is most likely to partner Jorginho in the double-pivot, although Tuchel also has the option of N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman, though, is not fully fit and is unlikely to be risked given the hectic schedule ahead.
Elsewhere in the second line of the press, the Blues are likely to continue with the wingback duo of Reece James and Marcos Alonso.
Attack
Chelsea are likely to miss out on Kai Havertz due to a positive result. Hakim Ziyech remains a doubt with injury as well, potentially forcing Tuche to opt for Saul Niguez in the advanced midfield role, alongside Mason Mount.
Alternatively, the German tactician may start Kante while Ross Barkley is another option in the creative department. Tuchel, though, is likely to pin his hopes on Saul and Mount as they look to form the free-flowing front three alongside Christian Pulisic.
