Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa – Premier League | Blues’ Struggles & Injury Concerns

Chelsea Make the Trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back when they travel to Villa Park on Saturday for their Premier League clash against Aston Villa. The Blues, under Enzo Maresca, have struggled for consistency in recent weeks and are desperate to return to winning ways. With Champions League qualification still within reach, securing three points in this crucial fixture is a must.

However, Chelsea’s hopes of victory are complicated by a string of injuries and poor form. Having suffered three defeats in their last four league matches, confidence is at a low point. Additionally, the squad is facing multiple injury setbacks, particularly in the attacking department, which has made Maresca’s job in the dugout even tougher.

The Blues are currently on a six-game winless streak away from home, a record they must break if they want to maintain their top-four aspirations. Aston Villa, under the tactical brilliance of Unai Emery, will not make it easy. The Villans are in solid form and have built Villa Park into a fortress, making this a challenging outing for Chelsea.

Let’s take a closer look at how Chelsea could line up for this important fixture.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper & Defence

GK: Filip Jorgensen

With Robert Sanchez making a series of costly mistakes, Filip Jorgensen has been given the chance to impress in goal. Unfortunately, his inclusion hasn’t solved Chelsea’s defensive frailties. Jorgensen will need to be at his best against Villa’s dangerous attack, particularly against the in-form Ollie Watkins.

RB: Reece James

Chelsea have been careful with Reece James’ minutes due to his troubling injury history. However, he is expected to start this match in place of Malo Gusto. The England international will likely face off against fellow countryman Marcus Rashford, making for an intriguing battle on the flank.

CB: Trevoh Chalobah

With Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile sidelined, Chalobah has been rotating with Tosin Adarabioyo in central defence. Both players have had mixed performances, and Chalobah will need to be sharp against Villa’s quick attackers.

CB: Levi Colwill

Colwill has been one of Chelsea’s more reliable performers in defence. He put in a solid display in their previous match against Brighton, but his real test will come against Ollie Watkins. The England forward has registered six goal contributions in his last five games and will be Villa’s main attacking threat.

LB: Marc Cucurella

Cucurella had a torrid time against Brighton and will have to be at his best to cope with Villa’s tricky wingers. Emery’s side boasts explosive wide players who could exploit any defensive weaknesses, making this a crucial game for the Spanish left-back.

Midfield

DM: Moises Caicedo

Caicedo has struggled at times to justify his hefty price tag, but he remains a key presence in Chelsea’s midfield. He will be tasked with controlling Villa’s creative players, likely facing either Morgan Rogers or Marco Asensio in the middle of the park.

DM: Enzo Fernandez

The Argentine midfielder will be vital for Chelsea’s hopes of dominating possession. Fernandez scored in a 3-1 FA Cup win at Villa Park last season, and the Blues will be hoping for a similar performance from him on Saturday. With Chelsea struggling in the final third, his ability to create from deep will be crucial.

Attack

RW: Pedro Neto

With Noni Madueke ruled out until after the March international break, Pedro Neto is set to take his place on the right wing. The Portuguese winger has impressed with his work rate, but Chelsea need more attacking output from him.

AM: Cole Palmer

Palmer has been Chelsea’s best attacking player this season, but he has endured a dry spell in recent weeks, failing to register a goal or assist in his last five matches. He will be desperate to turn things around, and this game presents the perfect opportunity as he previously scored and assisted against Villa earlier in the season.

LW: Jadon Sancho

Sancho is expected to start in place of the injured Madueke. However, the 24-year-old has also been struggling for form, with no goals since early December and no assists in his last seven games. Chelsea will be hoping for a significant improvement from him in this crucial fixture.

ST: Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku has been outstanding in cup competitions but has found it difficult to make an impact in the Premier League. He was completely ineffective in Chelsea’s previous match against Brighton and must step up in the absence of Nicolas Jackson.

Key Challenges for Chelsea Against Aston Villa

1. Injuries in the Forward Line – With multiple attacking players unavailable, Chelsea’s frontline lacks depth and dynamism.
2. Defensive Struggles – The backline has been inconsistent, and facing Villa’s attack will be a real test.
3. Lack of Confidence – Chelsea have won just three matches in all competitions in 2025, and their current poor form could play a role in their performance.
4. Villa’s Home Form – Aston Villa have turned Villa Park into a fortress, making this a tough away fixture.

Final Thoughts: Can Chelsea Secure a Much-Needed Win?

Chelsea’s trip to Villa Park comes at a pivotal moment in their season. A win could push them back into the top four, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. However, with their recent struggles and Aston Villa’s strong home record, this game is far from straightforward.

Maresca will need his key players to step up, particularly in attack where Chelsea have been misfiring. The performances of Palmer, Sancho, and Nkunku will be crucial in determining whether the Blues can leave Birmingham with all three points.

While Chelsea’s predicted lineup is strong on paper, the reality is that injuries and poor form have hindered their progress. Aston Villa, on the other hand, will be confident of taking advantage of their opponent’s weaknesses. Only time will tell if Chelsea can rise to the occasion and end their winless streak away from home.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):

• GK: Filip Jorgensen
• RB: Reece James
• CB: Trevoh Chalobah
• CB: Levi Colwill
• LB: Marc Cucurella
• DM: Moises Caicedo
• DM: Enzo Fernandez
• RW: Pedro Neto
• AM: Cole Palmer
• LW: Jadon Sancho
• ST: Christopher Nkunku

Can Chelsea turn their fortunes around? We’ll find out on Saturday night at Villa Park.