Date: Saturday 27th April, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium: Villa Park
Referee: Craig Pawson (England)
Aston Villa
Douglas Luiz returns after serving a two-match suspension, while Alex Moreno (calf) is the sole player likely to make a comeback before the season concludes.
However, Tyrone Mings (knee), Jacob Ramsey (toe), Boubacar Kamara (knee), Nicolo Zaniolo (knock), and Emiliano Buendia (knee) are unlikely to feature again this campaign.
Emiliano Martinez will resume his position in goal for Aston Villa, with the team expected to line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation against Chelsea. The defensive lineup is likely to consist of Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne.
In midfield, Douglas Luiz is set to return alongside Youri Tielemans, while Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers, and John McGinn will provide attacking flair. Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the forward line.
Probable Lineup (4-4-1-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Luiz, Tielemans, Rogers; McGinn; Watkins
Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino faces a similar situation, with nine first-team players unavailable for the trip to Villa Park.
However, Cole Palmer (illness) and Ben Chilwell (knee) could make the matchday squad.
Enzo Fernandez’s groin surgery adds to the team’s concerns, with Conor Gallagher partnering Moises Caicedo in midfield. Cole Palmer is likely to operate as the no. 10, supported by Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling on the wings.
Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead Chelsea’s attack, with Axel Disasi filling in at right-back. Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, and Marc Cucurella complete the defensive setup, while Djordje Petrovic will guard the goal.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Disasi, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Jackson
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
