Aston Villa predicted XI to face Chelsea: Could Steven Gerrard shake it up for the visit of the Blues?
and live on Freeview channel 276
Aston Villa return to Premier League action with a home clash against Chelsea. Steven Gerrard’s side take on the London club on the back of their 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest last Monday evening.
The Midlands outfit have endured a frustrating start to the new season and find themselves down in 16th place in the table. They have picked up nine points from their opening nine games and are three points above the relegation zone at the moment.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdGerrard’s men have struggled for goals so far this term and have only found the net seven times, with only Wolves managing to score less. Despite being unbeaten in their last four outings now, supporters are still frustrated with the lack of cutting edge.
Many feel they should picked up six points from their last two matches against Leeds United and Forest. Here is a look at how they could line up against Chelsea...
GK: Emi Martinez
The goalkeeper has conceded 11 goals in his last nine league games. Robin Olsen has been on the bench over recent times as cover.
RB: Matty Cash
He will be looking forward to the World Cup with Poland this winter. The right-back played against his former club Nottingham Forest last time out.
CB: Ezri Konsa
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe centre-back made the move to Villa Park back in 2019 and has formed a partnership alongside Tyrone Mings at the back this term. Prior to his move to the Midlands, he played for Charlton Athletic and Brentford.
CB: Tyrone Mings
He has made 147 appearances in all competitions for Villa so far and has chipped in with seven goals from the back. The club forked out £20million (as per Transfermarkt) to sign him a few years ago.
LB: Ashley Young
The veteran has been a shining light for Gerrard’s side so far in this campaign. He scored last time out away at Nottingham Forest.
CM: John McGinn
The skipper will be looking to lead his teammates to a positive result against Chelsea this weekend. McGinn will be hoping to keep his place in the starting XI despite some quiet performances of late.
CM: Douglas Luiz
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe was heavily linked with a departure over the summer but ended up staying put for now. His contract expires at the end of the season.
CM: Jacob Ramsey
The 21-year-old plays in a more advanced role in the 4-3-3 formation. He is becoming an increasingly more important player in this side.
RW: Emi Buendia
He has made 10 appearances this term but has only chipped in with a single goal. The former Norwich City man found the net four times in his first season.
ST: Ollie Watkins
The forward, like Buendia, has only scored once. He has struggled to hit form and will be hoping to cause Chelsea some probelms.
LW: Philippe Coutinho
Villa fans will be looking to see more of the ex-Liverpool ace over the new few games. He has been quiet recently and needs to make more of an impact in game.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.