Chelsea vs Aston Villa team news: Starting lineups confirmed for Premier League clash

Chelsea and Aston Villa have announced their starting lineups ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge. The first game back for both sides since the international break, it’s an important one for the top half battle – as well as perhaps a late push for Europe.

Unai Emery’s side headed into the fortnight away from competitive action with a dominant 3-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth, whereas Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by relegation battlers Everton.

It’s good news for Boubacar Kamara today as the Frenchman goes straight back into the starting XI following an ankle injury. The midfielder picked up the issue in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last month.

Meanwhile, big-money centre half Diego Carlos comes into the lineup for the first time since the 2-1 victory over Everton in August. The Brazilian has been out for months with an ACL injury.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa team news

Chelsea starting lineup: Kepa (GK); James, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Chilwell; Enzo, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek; Mudryk, Havertz, Felix.

Chelsea subs: Bettinelli (GK), Badiashille, Chalobah, Chukwuemeka, Gallagher, Kante, Mount, Madueke, Pulisic.

Aston Villa starting lineup: Martinez (GK); Young, Konsa, Mings, Moreno; Kamara, Luiz, Ramsey, McGinn; Buendia, Watkins.

Aston Villa subs: Sinisalo (GK), Wright (GK), D. Carlos, Traore, Chambers, Duran, Digne, Bailey, Dendoncker.