by
Chelsea will be looking to close the gap on those above them in the Premier League when they host Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Blues have won two of their last three league games to sit 10th, with Liverpool, Brighton, Brentford and Fulham in their sights as they seek a better finish than tenth under Graham Potter.
The former Brighton manager has a number of injury issues to contend with ahead of the meeting with Unai Emery’s Villa, who have taken ten points from their last four games.
Here’s the side Potter could pick as he targets another win.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – Looked to have turned a corner but was then awful for Spain in the loss to Scotland. At least he’s never boring.
CB: Wesley Fofana – The Frenchman is one of a dozen players carrying knocks but hoping to feature. Trevoh Chalobah, who has dropped out of the starting XI recently, could start instead.
CB: Kalidou Koulibaly – Koulibaly doesn’t have the calmness or poise of Thiago Silva which could be an issue against the in-form Ollie Watkins.
CB: Benoit Badiashile – Has started seven league games since his January move from Monaco, looking assured during the early stages of his Chelsea career.
RWB: Reece James – Had to withdraw from the England squad with a leg injury but Blues fans will be praying he can start here; Chelsea just aren’t the same attacking threat without him.
READ NEXT
CM: Enzo Fernandez – Got a goal for Argentina in their 7-0 win over Curacao – there was evidently little former Southampton man Cuco Martina could do to stop the world champions.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – Was also among the goals during the break, scoring twice in Croatia’s 2-0 win over Turkey. Will probably get the nod ahead of N’Golo Kante, who is getting closer to a return to action.
LWB: Ben Chilwell – Scored on his return to Leicester before the international break and started inEngland’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine.
RF: Kai Havertz – Returned from Germany duty with an illness but should come through to start.
ST: Joao Felix – Has a couple of league goals since joining from Atletico Madrid and a strong end to the season will put the Portugal international in a great position to decide his future in the summer.
LF: Mykhailo Mudryk – Was quiet in Ukraine’s loss at Wembley but will hope for an opportunity to start here with injury concerns hovering over Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount.
LISTEN NOW
On this edition of Son of Chelsea, part of the 90min podcast network, Daniel Childs examines what Thomas Tuchel’s move to Bayern Munich could mean for Chelsea.
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
