Aston Villa face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening as they approach the midway point of their Premier League season
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
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Two Aston Villa players go into today’s Premier League clash with Chelsea knowing they can’t afford to put a foot wrong.
As they prepare to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge, Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are both on four yellow cards – in what will be Villa’s 18th league game of the campaign.
Both know if they pick up fifth caution this evening they will miss Tuesday’s trip to Arsenal.
If both come through unscathed, they must then negotiate the match at the Emirates without being booked to be available for the visit of Nottingham Forest on Saturday January 3. After that they will have some breathing space.
The rules state that a player will receive a one-match ban if they amass a total of five yellow cards in the first 19 games. The Arsenal match is the cut-off point.
Arsenal don't have any such considerations, only Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi can pick up five bookings before the 19th game - but they are currently on three and would have to be carded against Brighton and Villa to trigger a ban.
After that the next cut-off point is ten yellow cards and the 32nd game, which for Villa is Nottingham Forest at home on April 11. Exceeding ten bookings before that match earns a two game suspension.
What changes should Emery make at Stamford Bridge? Have your say here
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