Chelsea FC EPL
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Chelsea are on an unbeaten run of five matches and they will look to extend this run when they face Aston Villa in matchweek 13 of the Premier League.
The Blues are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 matches in the EPL and they currently sit third on the table, just one point behind Manchester City. Villa, on the other hand, might be in the 8th spot but Emery’s team are just three points behind Chelsea.
Chelsea played a not-so-important Conference League game on Thursday night vs FC Heidenheim but Maresca used a second-fiddle team which means almost all of his regular league starters are properly rested.
On paper, Villa are a very strong side but they are in dismal form right now because their last win in any competition came way back in October when they won a Champions League game vs Bologna. Unai Emery’s side have what it takes to cause an upset but looking at both teams’ recent form, this one seems to be an easy win for Maresca’s men.
Chelsea’s injury updates and team news:
As frustrating as it may sound Reece James has picked up yet another injury and the right-back will be out of action for the remainder of the year.
James’ continuous injury woes have been a major headache for the Chelsea manager but he has Malo Gusto as the backup.
Enzo Fernandez has fallen down the pecking order under the new boss but the midfielder did claim the Player of the Match award vs Leicester City. That fine display against the Foxes should be enough for him to hold onto his starting role but Maresca also has Caicedo and Romeo Lavia as his options.
Enzo has started only 7 Premier League games this season but we are hoping to see him in the starting XI on Sunday.
Pedro Neto has missed the last two matches after picking up a knock during the international break but the winger should be fit to take on Aston Villa. Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix will be pushing for starts on Sunday but if Neto is fully fit, he will start on the left wing.
Nkunku started and scored in the Conference League and he will move back to the bench allowing Nicolas Jackson to come in. Christopher Nkunku has endured a frustrating season at Chelsea and already there are talks that Enzo Maresca will allow him to leave in January.
Jackson might not be a fan favourite but the 23-year-old has already made 10 goal contributions in 12 EPL games this campaign.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Aston Villa:
Goalkeeper: Sanchez.
Defenders: Cucurella, Colwill, Fofana, Gusto.
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo, Cole Palmer.
Attackers: Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Madueke.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Aston Villa - EPL 24/25