Chelsea host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday in a battle between two teams with top-four aspirations.
Enzo Maresca has insisted Chelsea are not in the Premier League title race, though a win by four goals would take the West Londoners second in the table, temporarily at least. Chelsea warmed up for the weekend with a 2-0 win at FC Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League to extend their perfect record in the competition this season.
The visitors arrive after a goalless draw with Juventus in the Champions League. However, an out-of-sorts Aston Villa are searching for their first win in eight games in all competitions. Unai Emery’s side have scored just three times in their last five fixtures.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news
Chelsea team news
Reece James is facing another spell on the sidelines with the Chelsea captain not set to return until the New Year. The defender’s hamstring issue is the latest setback fir the 24-year-old, who has been plagued by injuries in recent campaigns.
There’s more positive news on Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto, however, who could each return after taking part in training this week.
Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia will return to the squad after not being included in the Europa Conference League squad for the league phase. Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson also did not travel to Germany in midweek.
Chelsea predicted lineup
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
When is Chelsea vs Aston Villa?
Chelsea host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday December 1st 2024. Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is 13:30 GMT.
What TV channel will Chelsea vs Aston Villa be on?
Chelsea vs Aston Villa will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go UK and Sky Sports Ultra.
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See more – Maresca rules Chelsea out of Premier League title race
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