Sterling, James And Cucurella To Start, Pulisic Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Aston Villa

Graham Potter is under heavy pressure once again, with the disappointing draw against Everton before the international break still fresh in the minds of Chelsea supporters.

The Blues will be facing an Aston Villa team this weekend who are in good form so this won’t be a straightforward three points.

Potter has been boosted by a number of players returning to training this week, reinforcing his options, but this could be another closely contested game.

Press the next page as we name Chelsea’s starting eleven to play Villa on Saturday evening.

GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga

The Spanish international did not cover himself in glory for either goal against Everton last time out.

For Abdoulaye Doucoure’s effort, Kepa came off his line too late, while he didn’t get a strong enough hand on Ellis Simms’ last-gasp equaliser.

It provides Edouard Mendy with a strong claim to return to the lineup but, considering the Senegalese’s future at the club is in doubt, it would be a surprise if Potter recalls him.

RWB – Reece James

The wingback’s fitness situation is one to keep a close eye on. He was pulled out of international duty early due to concerns about his hamstrings.

However, James has been pictured in training this week, and he should be in contention to face Villa this weekend.

Whether it would be a risk starting him, we shall see, but the final decision likely rests with the medical team.

CB – Wesley Fofana

The Frenchman picked up his own hamstring injury midway through the second half of the 2-2 draw versus Everton.

Fofana had to pull out of the France squad as a result but, like James, he has been taking part in training this week.

The Frenchman and James are getting a reputation for being injury prone so it will be hoped that both defenders are able to stay on the pitch for the remaining fixtures this campaign.

CB – Kalidou Koulibaly

It all seemed to be going so well for the 31-year-old, until he was outmuscled by Ellis Simms before the striker scored Everton’s equaliser.

Considering Koulibaly is known for his strength and power, it was a pretty shocking moment, and he will be very disappointed with the part he played in Chelsea dropping two points.

With Thiago Silva still on the sidelines with a knee injury, Koulibaly is likely to keep his place on Saturday.

CB – Marc Cucurella

Benoit Badiashile probably had his most disappointing game in a Blues shirt so far against Everton, making a couple of silly fouls.

Considering Cucurella looked so good playing in the left-sided centre-back tole prior to being left out, the Spaniard will probably be recalled by Potter for the Villa clash.

His mobility will prove very useful against the likes of Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey.

LWB – Ben Chilwell

The wingback got some recognition for his outstanding recent form by getting a start for England against Ukraine last weekend.

Chilwell is fully deserving of all the praise that is coming his way at the moment and it will be hoped that he can continue in the same vein for the remaining games this season.

The 26-year-old’s crossing and set-piece delivery have been particularly excellent, and he will be looking to provide an assist or two versus Villa.

CM – Mateo Kovacic

The Croatian scored a brace for his country in the 2-0 win over Turkey during the international break so he will be in confident mood coming back to Stamford Bridge.

Kovacic does look to be the best partner for Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park, with the two players complimenting each other very well.

They will be facing John McGinn and Douglas Luiz on Saturday and winning the midfield battle will be crucial to securing the win.

CM – Enzo Fernandez

Like Kovacic, the Argentinian international also scored for his country in a 7-0 win over Curacao on Tuesday evening, which should hold him in good stead ahead of the Villa game.

Against Everton, Fernandez was one of the best players on the pitch and he hasn’t taken any time to settle in at his new club.

The 22-year-old clearly enjoys playing alongside Kovacic but it will be interesting to see what decision Potter makes when N’Golo Kante is ready to start matches once again.

RW – Kai Havertz

The German did withdraw from international duty early due to flu but it shouldn’t stop him from starting this weekend.

Havertz has been in excellent form in recent weeks, having scored in three consecutive fixtures.

The forward will be keen to extend that streak against a Villa team, who have not exactly been great at the back so far this campaign.

ST – Joao Felix

The 23-year-old’s opener against Everton was an outstanding strike, and it summed up what was an excellent all-round performance from the forward.

Felix’s display was, though, somewhat overshadowed by the way the game ended, but that shouldn’t take anything away from his contribution.

The key for the Portuguese international is consistency and it will be hoped that the Everton game will set the standard for upcoming fixtures.

LW – Raheem Sterling

Potter could select Christian Pulisic (who was decent against Everton) or Myhailo Mudryk but it’s clear that, when fit, Sterling is the preferred starter on the left flank.

The 28-year-old did not feature in Chelsea’s last game due to a hamstring problem but he is back available now.

Sterling gives the Blues a cutting edge in the final third of the pitch and, alongside Havertz and Felix, he could form a formidable front three.