Aston Villa host Chelsea on Saturday evening, seeking to pile the pressure on Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the top four.
Villa are currently six points ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s side, who face a tough-looking test against in-form Arsenal on Sunday.
Unai Emery will know three points could go a long way in securing a berth in Europe’s elite competition next season.
With Villa also in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League, changes to the starting XI could occur at 8 pm on Saturday.
Aston Villa predicted XI v Chelsea
Aston Villa News predicts two changes will be made to the team that comfortably beat Bournemouth last time out.
The first will come in defence, with Diego Carlos returning to the starting XI and £16million ace Matty Cash missing out. Despite Chelsea’s indifferent form, there’s plenty of attacking quality that could hurt the hosts.
The Brazilian was imperious against Arsenal and could slot back alongside Pau Torres, with Ezri Konsa filling in at right back. Lucas Digne and Emi Martinez will also retain their spots.
Another change could occur in midfield.
Douglas Luiz will almost certainly return from his two-match suspension and could replace Youri Tielemans. It would be harsh on the Belgian, but whenever Luiz is fit, he starts. The 25-year-old – once dubbed “integral” by Dean Smith – is arguably Emery’s most trusted player.
Elsewhere, John McGinn should partner Luiz in the centre of the park. Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby should keep their spots after finding the net against the Cherries. Unsurprisingly, Ollie Watkins will lead the line.
Aston Villa injury latest ahead of Chelsea clash
Emery currently has five longer-term injuries to contend with. Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara, Tyrone Mings, and Emiliano Buendia are all out for the season.
Alex Moreno has also been utilising the Bodymoor Heath treatment room after picking up a calf injury [Premier Injuries].
Elsewhere, there’s also some doubt over Nicolo Zaniolo’s fitness. Speaking on the Italian on April 18, the Villa boss said: “He has an injury, but we have to wait how long it’s going to be. Hopefully, it’s not a lot.”
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