Chelsea host Villa Aston at Stamford Bridge on matchday 13 of the first division on Sunday, December 1, as a busy and potentially season-defining month the blues it gets going. After a comfortable midweek Conference League win, the Blues have a tough task on their hands against Unai Emery's men.
Enzo Maresca is expected to make big changes compared to a heavily rotated second team that played on Thursday. With that said, here's a look at Chelsea's potential XI for the match.
goalkeeper – Robert Sánchez will most likely replace Filip Jorgensen between the sticks. The former Brighton goalkeeper's status as the preferred option in the Premier League is likely to prevail against the Clarets.
Defenders – The entire defense that played against Heidenheim will most likely return to the bench. Malo Gusto could be Chelsea's right back with James Reece injured once again, while Marc Cucurella could also return to the left side of the defense.
The central defenders are expected to be Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as they were benched in the midweek match.
Neto will be present in the offensive
Midfielders – The double pivot could mean the return of the two South American stars of Enzo Maresca, Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández. The Ecuadorian's form has been particularly impressive of late and his contribution on both sides of the pitch could go a long way in deciding the course of the match.
Later, Cole Palmer could return as Chelsea's number 10. On the left flank, Pedro Neto appears to have usurped Jadon Sancho in the pecking order, so the £54m signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers could return to the starting eleven. Noni Madueke has made the right wing his own and could occupy that position again against Aston Villa.
Forward – Nicolas Jackson scored in Chelsea's victory over Leicester City last weekend. He will be the favorite to replace Marc Guiu in the League match after the first Barcelona The youngster leads the line in the Conference League.
Here's what the Blues would look like on paper:
