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Chelsea predicted XI at Aston Villa: 3-4-2-1 passes test again

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Andreas Christensen of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Andreas Christensen of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech (L) celebrates with Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner (R) after scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in north west London on April 17, 2021. – Chelsea won the game 1-0. (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech (L) celebrates with Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner (R) after scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in north west London on April 17, 2021. – Chelsea won the game 1-0. (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Hakim Ziyech (No. 22) Right attacking midfielder, Morocco

Hakim Ziyech was not bad against Leicester, but his performance still left a lot to be desired. He’s not had consistent minutes since his injury against Leeds United in the 3-1 home win. He has prioritized ball possession over chance creation several times. His communication with his teammates is still forming and he’ll create more chances the more he plays. Ziyech should be judged on a very high standard because he has a lot of experience and has played at the highest level for a long time, but judging him harshly doesn’t mean abusing him every time he steps on the field. He has had to adjust to a more intense league, and the more minutes he gets, the closer he is to being the Ziyech we all want to see.

Timo Werner (No. 11) Center forward, Germany

Timo Werner has shown that he’s essential to how Chelsea attacks. His pressing and runs to stretch opposition defenses have proven difficult to deal with. He leads the Blues in direct goal involvements in the League this season. He’s won the most penalties in the Premier League, interestingly, he’s scored none. He makes attackers around him better by creating space with his movement. Despite missing many big chances this season, Werner’s exploits in the Bundesliga last season mean that no defender wants him free in the box. He’s often judged on only his misses, and that is unfair.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Left attacking midfielder, England

Mason Mount played well against Leicester City in the league. He created one clear-cut chance for Christian Pulisic in that game, though it was too close to Kasper Schmeichel for Pulisic to do anything with it. He has been incredibly consistent this season and offers just as much in possession as he does out of possession. He does need to dribble a little bit less sometimes and move the ball more/quicker.

Next. Chelsea at Aston Villa: Three things to look for on Championship Sunday. dark

Who would you choose for your starting XI? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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