Mauricio Pochettino recalls ‘very important’ £50m star: Chelsea predicted XI vs Aston Villa

All Mauricio Pochettino can do right now is try and pick up the pieces from their embarrassing defeat earlier this week to Arsenal.

While their fading hopes qualifying for Europe were dealt another blow, they know they have another tough game to come this weekend.

They face Aston Villa away from home, a ground they actually pulled out one of their better displays of the season.

Here’s The Chelsea Chronicle’s prediction for who will start at Villa Park this time around.

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Chelsea Predicted XI

Djordje Petrovic left the Emirates with some credit last time out, and will continue between the sticks on Saturday night.

With no fit right-back available still, the role will be played by Axel Disasi this time around after Alfie Gilchrist’s first start on Tuesday.

Thiago Silva was left out of the starting side last time, but that mistake will not be repeated in the big game on Saturday.

He will again be partnered by Trevoh Chalobah, with the duo performing very well against Manchester City in the FA Cup.

At left-back, more injury woes for Ben Chilwell will allow Marc Cucurella to continue his extended run in the team.

Midfield

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Moises Caicedo didn’t have his finest night at the Emirates, but will remain an important name in the middle of the park for the Blues.

This time, he will be partnered by Conor Gallagher, after reports of Enzo Fernandez undergoing season-ending surgery.

Ahead of those two, Pochettino will be delighted to welcome back Cole Palmer after really missing his presence last time out.

Attack

Noni Madueke has enjoyed a run in the team in recent weeks, and that will continue on Saturday.

The opposite flank will be occupied by the returning Raheem Sterling, after a spell on the bench following his recent illness.

Up front, despite the lack of goals in recent weeks, Nicolas Jackson’s good work will see him keep his place in the starting side and look to score at the ground he found the net at earlier this year.