Chelsea key clashes at Villa: Blues’ defense vs. Villains’ attack, Kante vs. McGinn, etc.
2. N’Golo Kante vs. John McGinn
A few weeks ago, N’Golo Kante wasn’t even at Cobham. Now, the midfielder is fit to start against Aston Villa, should he so choose. Kante’s battled a series of injuries this season, but he’s positioned to play a massive role on Sunday. Where he lines up is contingent upon his peers in midfield and where Lampard decides to stick the Frenchman.
That being said, Kante—in addition to his usual duties—is going to play an even bigger role at Villa Park if he starts in defensive midfield. Kante is going to be tasked with leading John McGinn away from Chelsea’s defense when the Blues are in possession and trying to play out of the back or develop an attack. Kante will attempt to string the Scot into midfield, run circles around him or play mind games with him; anything to keep him out of the hair of the Blues’ centerbacks.
During the Villains’ match against Sheffield, McGinn was deployed as the main pressing midfielder for Dean Smith’s side. McGinn caused problems amongst Sheffield’s defense multiple times in the opening portion of the match, but his attacking partners failed to capitalize in front of goal. Regardless, that shouldn’t take away from his accomplishments both in the match and for the year. McGinn looks to be one of Villa’s only players with a chance of staying in the top division if the Villains go down. He’s got three goals and two assists this season, but his work rate off the ball that makes him such a threat. His unrelenting power makes defenders and midfielders alike look over their shoulders constantly throughout the duration of games.
He’ll look to force mistakes by pressing the Chelsea back line with pace. Although Chelsea’s defense has been shaky this season, it’s been relatively calm under pressure, which is a good sign. Knock on wood. Kante is there to make sure it stays that way.
It may not be the most exciting or flashy matchup in the middle of the park, but it’s an important one if the Blues want to travel back to London with three points and good spirits resulting from a refreshing restart victory.