Fernandez Set to Spark Chelsea Revival as Blues Battle Villa to End Inconsistent Run
Chelsea confront an undesirable holiday test this Saturday as they welcome high-flying Aston Villa in Premier League action.
The scorching Villans have secured victory in their previous 10 fixtures across all tournaments, featuring seven Premier League triumphs as they establish themselves as genuine championship challengers. Chelsea must halt this winning run and deliver Villa's initial loss since early November.
Considering Chelsea's erratic performances and unreliable home displays, this represents a substantial task that has already proven too difficult for Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur this campaign. Each of these 'Big Six' teams has fallen to Unai Emery's squad.
Thankfully, Enzo Maresca possesses abundant talent options and commands a formation fully equipped to overcome any opponent when performing at peak level.
Here's the starting formation the Italian manager might select against Villa.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—Circumstances might have deteriorated during the opening period of Chelsea's 2–2 stalemate with Newcastle United last weekend without the Spaniard's excellent reactions. He also recorded his maiden professional assist against the Magpies.
RB: Reece James—James proved pivotal to Chelsea's fightback at St James's Park, delivering a magnificent free kick past Aaron Ramsdale and preserving the Blues' point with a spectacular goal-line intervention to stop Harvey Barnes in the closing moments.
CB: Wesley Fofana—After delivering an outstanding display in the 2–0 victory over Everton, Fofana struggled significantly against Newcastle as he contributed to both opposition goals. Reliability remains the Frenchman's primary concern.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—Although Chalobah nearly conceded a penalty against Newcastle for an obvious push, it represented an unusual lapse from the Chelsea centre-back. He's provided such reliable defensive cover during Levi Colwill's absence.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Cucurella fell below his typical high standards against Newcastle, but shouldn't face excessive pressure from John McGinn on Saturday. The energetic duo will engage in a spirited contest at Stamford Bridge.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—The Ecuadorian will prove crucial in neutralizing Youri Tielemans in Villa's creative midfield role, while also containing the impressive Morgan Rogers when he moves centrally. Caicedo will fancy his chances against any opponent following his exceptionally strong performances this season.
DM: Enzo Fernández—Chelsea missed the stability Fernández brings to the midfield after he was rested against Newcastle. He should return as James takes over from Malo Gusto at right-back following the latter's poor showing last weekend.
RW: Pedro Neto—The lightning-fast winger poses such a massive danger when charging at maximum pace toward the touchline and he will undoubtedly trouble former Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen.
AM: Cole Palmer—Palmer continues his recovery to peak fitness following an injury-disrupted season start and he will aim to outshine his England teammate Rogers. The Chelsea playmaker found the net and provided an assist in this corresponding match last season.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho—Despite remaining an inconsistent performer due to his rough edges in crucial areas, Garnacho still possesses the ability to create opportunities. He will seek to capitalize on the attacking positions taken by Villa right-back Matty Cash.
ST: João Pedro—A crucial and determined leveler against Newcastle marked Pedro's ninth strike in Chelsea kit. He's a quality performer when operating around the penalty area, even though he's not a natural finisher.
