This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their FA Cup tie with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. After making it to the final of the Carabao Cup, the Blues will be hoping to bring more cup success, this time they will have to contest with Premier League opposition.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa in FA Cup Clash
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Djordje Petrović has been the number one option between the sticks since the injury to Robert Sanchez. His back line has been forcibly changed due to injuries with Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, and Malo Gusto sharing the four spots.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have resumed their partnership as the deeper midfielders while Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Conor Gallagher, and Noni Madueke occupy attacking spots.
With Nicolas Jackson away at AFCON the striker spot has fallen to Armando Broja who last scored in the third round of the FA Cup against Preston North End. Palmer did suit up as the forward in a Carabao Cup match but hasn’t been asked to fill in as the false nine ever since.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
Mauricio Pochettino has been strict in the use of his base 4-2-3-1 setup that, at times, looks more like a 4-3-3 in action. The results have been quite good, especially at home where they are unbeaten since a 2-0 loss to Brentford back in October.
The inability to consistently keep clean sheets will still weigh on the manager. Even in a 6-1 destruction of Championship side Middlesbrough, the side managed to concede a goal. Thankfully they have found their shooting boots which has slightly offset the defensive issue.
Chelsea Absences to Consider
A new year means a new Chelsea perhaps? The latest injury update is one of the better ones that Blues fans have seen in some time. Gusto, Christopher Nkunku and Trevoh Chalobah have all returned to training for reconditioning.
That brings the number of long term absentees down to six with Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Robert Sanchez, and Lesley Ugochukwu remaining sidelined.
Jackson is, as mentioned, representing Senegal on international duty and is unavailable for this one. In addition, Cesare Casadei is cup-tied and cannot play despite being recalled from Leicester City.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Despite his strong performance in the Carabao Cup, Chilwell will likely be rested as he has just returned from a lengthy absence. The duo of Gusto and Nkunku are also unlikely to feature yet meaning the options are still limited for Pochettino.
GK: Djordje Petrović
LB: Levi Colwill
CB: Benoit Badiashile
CB: Thiago Silva
RB: Axel Disasi
DM: Moises Caicedo
DM: Enzo Fernandez
AM: Noni Madueke
AM: Cole Palmer
AM: Raheem Sterling
ST: Armando Broja
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