It was a well-contested stalemate on Wednesday night when Aston Villa hosted Juventus at Villa Park in a crucial Champions League fixture. The Villas have lost steam as they are without a win in the past seven fixtures, and a contest at Stamford Bridge against high-flying Chelsea could bring further misery unless they step up their game on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues have climbed to third place in the Premier League standings under new chief Enzo Maresca. They held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in their previous home encounter, and the momentum makes them firm favourites to clinch victory despite a dismal head-to-head record at the Bridge over the past two years.
Predicted 4-4-1-1 Aston Villa Lineup To Face Chelsea
Defence
Emiliano Martinez pulled off some key saves against Juventus to register a clean sheet in Europe. However, the flamboyant Argentine would find it more strenuous in West London, given the Blues’ exquisite scoring form so far this season.
Fit-again Matty Cash should keep his place down the right after an impressive performance against the Seria A heavyweights. Unai Emery has preferred Diego Carlos and Pau Torres in deep defence over Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings. Also, veteran Lucas Digne is expected to feature from the left ahead of the former Chelsea academy prodigy Ian Maatsen.
Midfield
Emery relies on a ‘midfield four’ that could change the shape and switch to a 4-2-3-1 based on the game’s demands. Amadou Onana might be available for selection after recovering from a minor knock, but the Belgian is unlikely to grab a starting spot replacing Boubacar Kamara. The Frenchman should continue alongside Youri Tielemans in the middle of the park. Ross Barkley, another former Chelsea star, remains a viable option from the bench.
The wide midfielders play a crucial part in Emery’s system. Leon Bailey has been a regular down the right, but he needs to offer more in terms of goals and assists. John McGinn must operate from the left amid Jacob Ramsay’s injury absence, but the versatile Scotsman could switch his role with Morgan Rogers who is enjoying a breakthrough campaign primarily as a ‘number 10’.
Attack
It has been a mixed run of form for Ollie Watkins irrespective of firing in 6 goals in 12 Premier League outings. The Englishman is lacking the impact while spearheading the attack, but the ‘super sub’ Jhon Duran has been immense with 8 goals across competitions. He might eventually secure a starting role unless Watkins exhibits his flair and finesse in the attacking third.
