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The predicted Chelsea line-up for this evening's Premier League match with Aston Villa as Enzo Maresca faces some tough decisions at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge this evening in what is set to be a huge match for the Blues given the gap already forming to Unai Emery's high-flying side.
Villa have won their last 10 matches coming into this one and a victory in west London would see them extend their advantage over the Blues to a whopping 10 points. So defeat is not an option for Chelsea, particularly with Liverpool starting to look a bit better following their torrid run.
Getting the line-up right is crucial for Enzo Maresca. So, with that being said, football.london takes a look at what the Chelsea head coach might do regarding the personnel he fields today:
Robert Sanchez
Another brilliant performance from Sanchez last weekend. The Spanish goalkeeper has been one of the standout performers for the Blues this season. He might need to be at that level again against a very dangerous Villa attacking line.
Malo Gusto
Not at his best in Newcastle last weekend but Gusto is expected to keep his place at right-back for the Blues. Last time out at Stamford Bridge, the Frenchman scored his second goal of the season - and it is no surprise given the positions he finds himself in, in what is a fascinating role.
Wesley Fofana
The Frenchman has been excellent recently but Newcastle was not his best showing. Fofana gave the ball away needlessly for the opening goal of the game. Maresca will be hoping to see an improvement should he start this evening.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah, too, was not at his absolute best at St. James' Park. Though, overall, Chalobah has been perhaps Chelsea's most consistent central defender this term.
Marc Cucurella
No doubting that Cucurella will start. The Spain international has featured in all 17 of Chelsea's Premier League fixtures this season - starting 16 of them. I'd be amazed if he didn't make his 17th start of the campaign this evening.
Moises Caicedo
It was good to see Caicedo back in the side last weekend and his second-half performance was a reminder - if at all needed - of the Ecuadorian's brilliance. The Stamford Bridge faithful will be hoping to see something similar today.
Reece James
Speaking of brilliance, just how good was James last weekend? An inspiring display from Chelsea's captain and it played an enormous part in the Blues getting back into the game on Tyneside. He could once again be used in midfield, with Gusto at right-back.
Cole Palmer
Estevao Willian is back, but there could be scope to start Palmer on the right-hand side this evening. Everyone is talking about Morgan Rogers at the moment - and rightly so - but how Palmer would it be to steal the show?
Enzo Fernandez
With Palmer on the right wing, that would open up a space in the No.10 role. Fernandez was used from the bench last weekend and when he came on, it was evident Chelsea had more control. Maresca could call upon the Argentine today to try and regain some of that.
Pedro Neto
That would mean a space on the left wing for Neto. There is no doubting that the Portugal international is more effective from the other side but Maresca needs to get him in the side somehow.
Joao Pedro
A fine finish from Joao Pedro at St. James' last weekend. Chelsea need him to find some momentum and form in front of goal. Liam Delap can be an option from the bench.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
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