Chelsea
Aston Villa welcome visitors Chelsea in the Premier League with eight matches remaining in the season. The blues are fighting for a place in the Europa League spots while Villa are deep in the relegation zone.
Chelsea beat Aston Villa when the two teams met earlier at Stamford Bridge 2-0 with Costa and an Alan Hutton own goal deciding the fate of the match. Villa have sacked their manager Remi Garde this week following disastrous results and the players will be looking to restore some lost pride.
Hiddink’s men will be without Kurt Zouma and Eden Hazard with long term injuries and Diego Costa will be suspended for the match. So, let’s take a look at the predicted lineup for the clash against Aston Villa:
Thibaut Courtois will take his place between the posts and the Chelsea no. 1 will look to continue his good form after the International break.
Branislav Ivanovic has struggled this term but will start along with Cesar Azpilicueta on the flanks. John Terry will captain the side and his centre back partner would be Gary Cahill who must be on a roll after beating Germany.
John Obi Mikel has taken Matic’s place after the arrival of Guus Hiddink and will regain his place in the centre of the field. Partnering him will be the Spaniard Cesc Fabregas who is starting to look like the player for which he was bought for after his brace in the last game against the Hammers.
Attacking midfield will see Pedro getting the nod ahead of Bertrand Traore and Oscar will play in the hole behind the striker. Willian, the man who has been Chelsea’s savior in this disappointing season will start on the right flank.
With Radamel Falcao injured and Costa suspended, Loic Remy will play as a striker ahead of Traore because of his experience and the Frenchman has to prove himself if he belongs here, at the highest level.
Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Mikel, Fabregas, Pedro, Oscar, Willian, Remy.
Aston Villa: Guzan, Hutton, Richards, Lescott, Cissokho, Veretout, Westwood, Gueye, Gil, Ayew, Gestede.
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