Aston Villa are back in action after a week-and-a-half break as they take on Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round on Friday evening.
Unai Emery will be hopeful his team can replicate the success enjoyed at Stamford Bridge earlier this season as Villa ran out 1-0 victors against the Blues back in September. A place in the fifth round awaits the winner of Friday's tie, with the draw set to be conducted over the weekend.
Villa have won just two of their last five games in all competitions and failed to score in their last outing – a 0-0 draw at Everton. Chelsea, meanwhile, have turned a corner as they have won five of their last six fixtures, including a 6-1 thumping over Middlesbrough to reach the Carabao Cup final.
Emery. is focusing on the Premier League as surprise challengers for the title but other competitions are still valued highly, with the FA Cup to be respected. As a result, Villa's lineup on Friday is likely to be a strong one. With that in mind, here's the starting XI we think will be named at Stamford Bridge.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez started at Middlesbrough in the last round and is expected to remain between the sticks for this one, even despite Robin Olsen’s injury return.
2. RB - Matty Cash
Cash, who has become more of a utility option lately, is likely to start with Emery expected to slightly priortise Villa’s hosting of Newcastle on Tuesday.
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa, who has rotated between the right-back and centre-back positions this campaign, will move central if Cash does indeed start.
4. CB - Clement Lenglet
Lenglet will probably start again with Emery confirming Pau Torres has suffered another injury setback.