Chelsea predicted XI vs. Aston Villa: 4-3-3 stays despite struggles
Chelsea is in a funk, the question now becomes who will Frank Lampard turn to in order to save the Blues season? Here’s the predicted XI vs. Aston Villa.
Chelsea has managed to pick up only three points from the last available 12. Even if fans accept that the Blues were never title contenders, are they about to make top four more difficult than it should be?
Frank Lampard’s men have picked up one win in four games, recording three losses in the process. The Arsenal loss seemed more frustrating because it was against London rivals and the boys didn’t seem to be up for it. The Blues cannot afford to wallow though as they have another game just 48 hours later against Aston Villa and Manchester City a few days after that. The only way to go from here is up.
Lampard needs to revert to the core of the team that has given him his most recent win, so here are who we think get the nod against Dean Smith’s Villa:
Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal
Edouard Mendy did not cover himself in glory against Arsenal, nonetheless he made four crucial saves that ensured Chelsea was not as embarrassed as it deserved. The giant has been superb in goal since joining the Blues, but he’s recently had some games he’d much rather forget. Mendy needs to pick himself up very quickly before the Aston Villa game as he cannot afford to wallow in Chelsea’s current miseries. The Blues had a goalkeeping problem last season and they’ve definitely fixed that issue. Mendy had a bad day at the office, many goalkeepers in the Premier League do, but he still has the second highest number of clean sheets—he’ll be fine.
Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right back, Spain
Cesar Azpilicueta played very well against West Ham during the week and with a plan in place to rest Reece James, fans were rather shocked to see James return to the line-up, with the club captain sitting. Chelsea definitely needs its skipper now, the past few performances have been unsatisfactory defensively. The Blues have picked up three points from the last 12; the three points interestingly coming when Azpilicueta has played. He’s been a consummate professional so far, and has been a leader in the way he has organized the defense and set the standard.
Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France
Kurt Zouma didn’t have a bad game against Arsenal, in fact he performed better than any other Chelsea defender. He wasn’t directly responsible for any goal, though he should still be held responsible for that result because it happened on his watch. Zouma should get more credit than he’s currently getting. He has stepped up his game and has played every Premier League minute for Chelsea this season except the West Brom game, where he didn’t make an appearance. He has been key to Chelsea’s newfound defensive solidity. His presence gives the Blues a chance against Aston Villa.
Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil
Silva has also done himself justice this season, and no one can make a case for any of Chelsea’s other senior centerbacks starting over him. His leadership has had visible effects on the players around him and his influence is clear for all to see. This leadership wasn’t present against Arsenal unfortunately, not to say that Silva is really to blame for any of the goals, though one could say he could’ve done more to prevent Bukayo Saka’s freak cross-shot.
Emerson (No. 33) Left back, Italy
Emerson’s absence against Arsenal was also somewhat of a head scratcher, not just because he has been playing well, especially against West Ham, but because Lampard gave the impression that the Blues would be without their first choice left back. Emerson was also present in the back line that has gotten Chelsea its only win in four games. Lampard felt the need to risk his still injured first choice left back against London rivals, it’s difficult to say it was the right decision.