Chelsea’s insane run of fixtures over the festive period is set to continue, with three more games coming before January 4.
The Blues will meet high-flying Aston Villa in their first game after Christmas, with Enzo Maresca looking to keep the gap close between them and the side currently third in the Premier League.
A game against Bournemouth follows, before the Blues make the trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City.
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Paul Winstanley with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly
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The sides have been linked of late due to City’s interest in making Maresca Pep Guardiola’s replacement, however he has insisted he is fully focused on the job in hand at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea - Premier League
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Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos could be suspended for Chelsea vs Man City
The Blues will need to be able to name their strongest side in order to have a chance against the title contenders, although four crucial players are in danger of missing the game.
Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos are all at risk of a suspension if they pick up two more yellow cards of missing the City clash.
The cut-off for five games resulting in a suspension is after the Bournemouth game, meaning they will need to avoid a booking in at least one of these games to be available to face City.
Estevao is likely to return against Villa after Christmas, with all four players likely to feature at some stage of a game where everyone is available for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s injury list ahead of Aston Villa
Estevao Willian celebrates scoring for Chelsea vs Barcelona
Would you start either of Estevao or Delap against Villa? Or can a better attack be formed…?
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Chelsea can’t afford to lose Caicedo
Chelsea have already seen Caicedo disappear due to suspension after his red card sustained against Arsenal.
In this time, the Blues only won one of the three games where he was unavailable, clearly missing his presence in the middle of the park.
Cucurella is another player who Chelsea cannot afford to be without. The drop-off to Jorrel Hato is too far for a game of that magnitude.
Discipline has been a serious problem for the Blues in recent months, and is something Maresca will need to address.
Ironically, Maresca is suspended for the next game against Villa.
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