Chelsea predicted XI
Chelsea Football Newsletter
The Blues have both players available after they returned from injury.
Estevao sat out of the away trips to Cardiff and Newcastle with a small muscular injury, but is now back available for the visit of Villa.
Delap, meanwhile, has been out since a shoulder injury forced him off in the goalless draw with Bournemouth on December 6, missing four games.
But both are back available in a boost to the Chelsea head coach, who also confirmed on Christmas Eve that Cole Palmer is finally ready to play a full 90 minutes after being carefully managed through his four appearances since returning from a groin injury that saw him unavailable for more than two months.
Maresca opted to use Enzo Fernandez as a substitute at St James’ Park on December 20 and must decide whether to reintroduce the Argentine to his starting line-up or keep faith with captain Reece James as Moises Caicedo’s midfield partner.
Maresca will name a strong team against the side sat immediately above Chelsea in third place in the Premier League table.
Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all remain absent with longer-term injuries.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
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Injured: Essugo, Lavia, Colwill
Time and date: 5:30pm GMT on Saturday, December 27, 2025
Venue: Stamford Bridge