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Chelsea take on Aston Villa on December 27 at Stamford Bridge with the Blues coming up against the Premier League's hottest team at the moment
Challenges do not come much bigger than what Chelsea have just after Christmas. On December 27, the Blues welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge, with Unai Emery's side on a 10-match winning streak in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca's side are currently seven points behind the high-flying Villa, who occupy third in the top-flight table at the time of writing, less than 24 hours after their victory over Manchester United. Chelsea cannot afford to lose any more ground on Villa, especially with Liverpool - who are in fifth - looking rejuvenated after a torrid spell.
The Blues, though, are set to be boosted by two players returning to the squad at Stamford Bridge. Estevao Willian, who has been missing from the last two squads due to a knock, is expected to be back in contention later this week, while Liam Delap is also closing in on a return after the shoulder injury he suffered towards the start of this month.
"We have probably Liam Delap and Estevao Willian, probably both available for the next game against Aston Villa. That is good news," said Maresca last week.
It comes at a great time for the Blues, whose options off the bench were limited in the weekend's draw with Newcastle United. When Chelsea went two goals down in the first-half at St. James' Park, you were looking at the bench to see the attacking options that could come on and make a difference for the visitors on Tyneside.
Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos, who both came on in the second-half, were the obvious ones but even then, they are more midfield options than attacking ones. Facundo Buonanotte, who has barely played any football in the Premier League, and Marc Guiu were the only real forwards among the substitutes. Maresca did not use either, which in itself is quite telling.
Estevao and Delap returning will give Chelsea another dimension in a match where they might well need it against the most in-form side in the league at the moment. Neither are likely to start, but both will be attractive options off the bench in the second-half for Maresca.
A win for the Blues, who have been fine but not brilliant in recent matches, could inject some much-needed confidence with the fixtures not slowing down. Chelsea host Villa and Bournemouth before the turn of the year, before facing nine matches in all competitions over the course of January.
Bobby is a Trainee Football Writer and joined the team in May 2021.
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