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Our Chelsea reporters discuss and debate the line-up they would choose for the Blues' crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday evening
For Chelsea, there is no time to dwell on Sunday's agonising defeat to Arsenal, with a crucial trip to Aston Villa coming up for the Blues on Wednesday night.
Liam Rosenior suffered his third defeat since taking over as Chelsea head coach as his side fell just short at the Emirates Stadium. All three of Rosenior's losses have come against Arsenal but recent draws with Leeds United and Burnley mean Chelsea go into Wednesday evening's match at Villa Park without a win in their last three Premier League games.
As for Villa, it has been a difficult 2026 thus far. Unai Emery's side were tipped by many as the dark horses to challenge for the Premier League title at one point but their recent form - which includes just three league wins since the turn of the year - has seen them dragged into a race for a Champions League place.
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With Chelsea also fighting for a spot in Europe's elite competition next season, it makes Wednesday's clash that bit more important. With this being said, our Chelsea writers Bobby Vincent and Jake Stokes discuss what they would do in terms of the team selection if they were in Rosenior's shoes at Villa Park.
Bobby Vincent
Chelsea did not play terribly on Sunday. The first-half display left a lot to be desired but there was a clear improvement in the second period and they can count themselves a bit unfortunate not to find an equaliser late on at the Emirates Stadium.
However, their defending for the two Arsenal goals was poor, so they got what they deserved in many ways. I expect Wesley Fofana to come back in for Mamadou Sarr, with the Frenchman returning from his one-match suspension, but that's the only change I would make to the defence.
The midfield may stay the same. The performances of Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos were not the problem for Chelsea in north London over the weekend. The two of them look very strong alongside one another. However, I would like to see Romeo Lavia make his first start since early-November and give Santos a bit of a rest after a tight turnaround. If Lavia has 60 minutes in him, that could be really beneficial for the visitors in Aston.
Cole Palmer may well keep his place given the magnitude of the game and that he is likely to be rested for Saturday evening's FA Cup fifth round tie with Wrexham. Pedro Neto will sit out after he was sent off in the Arsenal loss, so Alejandro Garnacho might get an opportunity to impress Rosenior.
Garnacho is Chelsea's only real left wing option, though Rosenior has used Enzo Fernandez there, too. Jamie Gittens remains absent with a hamstring injury. Joao Pedro should lead the line, with Liam Delap on the bench if the Blues require something different.
Bobby's XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Jake Stokes
Although Chelsea will have only had a couple of days to recharge their batteries and prepare for the Aston clash, I don't expect Rosenior to make too many changes. I think the trip to Villa Park comes a little too soon for the likes of Lavia, Marc Cucurella, and Estevao Willian to start, but I hope I'm wrong!Despite a shaky performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night, Robert Sanchez should remain between the sticks. He's quietly become a key player for the Blues this season, and a couple of mistakes shouldn't overshadow his good performances over the last nine months.I wouldn't be surprised if Sarr keeps his place in the backline. The 20-year-old defender, who Chelsea recalled from loan at Strasbourg in January, didn't really put a foot wrong against Arsenal, and due to the nature of Fofana's absence at the weekend – suspension – I think Rosenior will want to make a point of rewarding those who don't let him down.Although it would be great to start with Lavia, the clash at Villa Park could come too soon. The 22-year-old midfielder looked really good when he came on against the Gunners, so I really hope the Blues medical staff look after him.The only other change to the starting line-up could be on the wing, with Neto suspended. Garnacho has a great opportunity to lay down a marker, silence a few critics and cement a place in the side.Jake's XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Sarr, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
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