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Predicted Chelsea lineup to face Aston Villa with Reece James expected to start at RB

Originally posted on A Stamford Bridge Too Far
By Gerrard Crispin | Last updated Dec 25, 2025 10:14 PM ET

Chelsea will be looking forward to produce a statement when Aston Villa visit them on Saturday.

Struggling with consistency, Chelsea face yet another stern test when Aston Villa visit Stamford Bridge on the 27th of December. The Blues have won just one out of their last five games. They have lost one and drawn the other three. While it looked like they were heading to yet another loss, last week at St. James’ Park, a comeback inspired by Reece James, helped them salvage a point, as they came back from 2 goals down. Chelsea sit 4th in the table, with 29 points from 17 games.

The visitors, meanwhile, have been the most in-form team in the EPL. They are on a 10-game winning streak, with Morgan Rogers in stellar form. The Villans are coming off a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Villa Park.

That said, here is the predicted Chelsea lineup to face Aston Villa.

Predicted Chelsea lineup vs. Aston Villa

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez

This is a no-brainer. The Spaniard has started most of the games across competitions for Chelsea, and his performances of late have been pretty decent.

Defence: Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella

Reece James started last game in midfield due to Enzo Fernandez being benched. With Fernandez expected to start, James could return to his default position. Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah have formed a solid center-back pairing and are sure-shot starters. Marc Cucurella, as usual, will start at left-back.

Midfield: Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer

Enzo Fernandez, as mentioned already, is expected to return, and Moises Caicedo, who returned from suspension against Newcastle, is set to start. Cole Palmer will play the CAM.

Attack: Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Pedro

Like Chalobah and Fofana at CB, Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho have been regular starters on the wings. However, Estevao and Liam Delap who have now been declared fit, could soon get back into the starting XI. However, Joao Pedro is expected to start up front this time.

This article first appeared on A Stamford Bridge Too Far and was syndicated with permission.

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