Chelsea have been handed a significant double fitness boost ahead of a stern Premier League test against high-flying Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge this evening. Unai Emery's visitors arrive in west London as the division's form side, having strung together seven consecutive league victories to emerge as genuine title contenders.
Villa's Title Charge Meets Chelsea's Inconsistency
Aston Villa sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal after their remarkable winning streak. In stark contrast, Chelsea's own aspirations have stuttered. Despite a promising performance against Arsenal last month, Enzo Maresca's side have managed just one win in their last five league outings, though they showed resilience to fight back for a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United last weekend.
Chelsea's Returning Trio Bolster Maresca's Options
The Blues' squad has been strengthened for the Saturday evening fixture. Brazilian winger Estevao is available again after missing the trips to Cardiff City and Newcastle with a minor muscular issue. Forward Liam Delap is also fully fit following a shoulder injury sustained against Bournemouth in early December, though he is unlikely to start immediately given his injury-disrupted season since joining from Ipswich Town.
Perhaps the most crucial update concerns Cole Palmer. Manager Maresca has confirmed the talismanic midfielder is now ready to play a full 90 minutes after being carefully managed in his four appearances since returning from a groin problem. His return to full match sharpness is a major lift for the hosts.
However, Chelsea's injury list is not fully cleared. Central midfielders Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo remain out with thigh injuries, while defender Levi Colwill is still sidelined with the serious knee injury he suffered before the season began.
Metro's Predicted Chelsea Starting XI
Maresca faces some selection dilemmas with his returning stars. Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto are currently the first-choice wingers, but the Italian could deploy Neto in a makeshift striker role ahead of Joao Pedro to accommodate Estevao on the flank.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez was benched for Moises Caicedo's return from suspension last week, but the Chelsea captain's superb performance at St James' Park may convince Maresca to keep the partnership intact. If Fernandez starts, Reece James could revert to right-back with Malo Gusto dropping to the bench.
Regardless of the final configuration, Maresca will want his key players on the pitch for as long as possible against such formidable opposition.
The match kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday 27 December and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Subscribers can also stream the action via the Sky Go app or NOW TV.
