New role for Youri Tielemans as Unai Emery tries new midfield partnership - Aston Villa predicted XI v Chelsea

Villa take on fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, eager to put an end to their winless streak.

It’s been a tough period for the Villans, who made it seven games without victory as they drew 0-0 with Juventus on Wednesday. Emery will be hoping his players can end their rut by repeating their success from the last two league visits to Stamford Bridge, as Villa ran out victors to nil in both.

Now down in eighth place and three points behind Chelsea in fourth, this weekend’s clash is the perfect opportunity to close back up to the Champions League spots. It’s equally a game Villa can’t really afford to lose as they would be giving up important points to a direct rival in the European fight.

Emery has a few selection dilemmas to consider this weekend, not least who to choose in midfield. Amadou Onana is ready to return to action after a foot injury but Boubacar Kamara has played well in his last couple of outings, so there could be a temptation to change Youri Tielemans’ role to facilitate all three players.

There could also be a switch in attack as Morgan Rogers left his usual number 10 role to play out on the left flank midweek. Emery will have to decide whether to stick to those guns or return Rogers to his usual position, while Jhon Duran will be hoping to get some minutes against the club he was linked so heavily with in the summer.

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Chelsea

With those dilemmas in mind, here are the 11 Villa players we predict will start at Stamford Bridge.

GK - Emiliano Martinez

Martinez has proved to everyone over recent months that he truly is the world’s best goalkeeper. There’s no shifting the Argentine out of the lineup.

RB - Matty Cash

The Poland international is without doubt the first choice right-back and will start most games until January. It’ll then be interesting to see if Villa sign another option.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa, back after a minor injury, typically plays best at centre-back. He should return to the lineup now he’s had a few extra days to build fitness.

CB - Pau Torres

Pau hasn’t been as consistent as he will have liked but he’s bound to put that right. The Spaniard is still at the top of the central defensive pile.

LB - Lucas Digne

The Frenchman remains the first choice left-back and will continue to be despite Ian Maatsen’s positive performances off the bench.

RM - John McGinn

The skipper, so often one of the hardest working players in the squad, could be tasked with doubling up on Noni Madueke on the flank.

CM - Boubacar Kamara

Kamara is finally back up to speed and is moving closer to the terrific form he was in before his injury. He doesn’t deserve a benching.

CM - Amadou Onana

This could be a great opportunity to start Onana alongside Kamara for the first time as Villa need physicality in midfield against the energetic Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

LM - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans could make a slight shift over to the left midfield role, just as he did at times last campaign. If he does, he’ll probably invert and cut inside often.

CAM - Morgan Rogers

Rogers played on the left flank against Juventus and struggled to get as involved as usual. We reckon he’ll be moved back to his preferred central role.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins hasn’t quite hit the heights of last season just yet but remains an excellent striker. It’s tough to keep Jhon Duran on the bench, but Emery’s system tends to work better with one out-and-out centre forward.