This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on February 22. The injuries to the forward line have dealt a further blow for Enzo Mareca who tried an interesting tactic for Noni Madueke last week only for him to pull his hamstring before the 20 minute mark. With less options than ever this is our attempt to predict his eleven as the Blues take on a rival side in the race for Champions League football.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa in Premier League Clash
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez have been the starters in goal. The back four has consisted of Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto, and Reece James. The defensive midfield pairing is usually Enzo Fernandez with Moises Caicedo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall rotating in if needed.
The attack has been trimmed with Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, and Noni Madueke starting behind the striker which has been Christopher Nkunku in the absence of Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
Maresca has continued to set up in a possession-dominant 4-2-3-1 which more often turns into a 3-2-4-1 when in possession. He has been forced to try some changes without a recognised striker with a false nine used and different players inverting into different spots.
It hasn’t worked out as his team continues their dismal run that started just after Christmas, the brief reprieve of wins against West Ham and Wolves has been tainted by poor performances and losses to Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. The defence continues to look astonishingly poor with the club unable to keep a clean sheet since Morecambe on January 11, in the league you have to go back to December 22 for the last time they kept an opposition side scoreless.
Chelsea Injuries to Consider
Maresca will be without Jackson, Marc Guiu, Madueke, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia due to injuries while Mykhailo Mudryk is still suspended.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
GK – Filip Jorgensen
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Levi Colwill
CB – Trevoh Chalobah
RB – Reece James
DM – Moises Caicedo
DM – Enzo Fernandez
W – Jadon Sancho
AM – Cole Palmer
W – Pedro Neto
ST – Christopher Nkunku
