90min

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Aston Villa - Premier League

By Jamie Spencer

Trevoh Chalobah has a chance of returning to the Chelsea starting XI this weekend
Trevoh Chalobah has a chance of returning to the Chelsea starting XI this weekend / Visionhaus/Getty Images
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Chelsea face Aston Villa on Saturday evening in their first match after the international break and will hope to continue an unbeaten start to the new season.

Thomas Tuchel has seen his side take seven points from a possible nine on offer so far. The Blues even took the lead against Liverpool at Anfield last time out, before eventually drawing 1-1.

The Chelsea boss will have to make some enforced selection decisions, but any side he puts out will strongly fancy itself to beat an inconsistent Villa.

Here’s a look at the starting XI Tuchel could go for…

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah could get another chance / Visionhaus/Getty Images

Edouard Mendy (GK) - Conceded a first Premier League goal of the season against Liverpool last time out but will be looking to return to chalking up another clean sheet this time.

Andreas Christensen (CB) - The Dane said during the international break that the prospect of a new contract ‘looks good’, having become a regular starter once more.

Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - The combination of Reece James’ red card suspension and Thiago Silva’s FIFA-imposed ban should restore Chalobah to the centre of defence for the first time since the opening day.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - One of the first names on the team sheet under Tuchel, which is stark contrast to his status under former boss Frank Lampard.

2. Midfielders

Jorginho
Jorginho returns to club duty after captaining Italy for the first time / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

Cesar Azpilicueta (RWB) - The loss of James to suspension is expected to see the captain shift forward into a more attacking role as right wing-back.

Jorginho (CM) - Started all three of Italy’s games during the international break and led the Azzurri out as captain for the first time in the latter against Lithuania.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - With N’Golo Kante an injury doubt and Saul Niguez more likely to make a debut from the bench, the Croatian is expected to return to the starting lineup.

Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Has been re-born this season and was nominated for the Premier League’s August player of the month award.

3. Forwards

Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku should overcome a thigh injury / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Kai Havertz (AM) - Scored against Liverpool last time out but only lasted 45 minutes because Chelsea’s red card in first half stoppage time forced a tactical reshuffle.

Mason Mount (AM) - One assist in four appearances so far this season for the home-grown star. He will hope to get on the scoresheet sooner rather than later.

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - The Belgian admitted he needed a scan on a thigh injury after returning early from international duty. Should overcome that problem and get the chance to score more goals.

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