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Chelsea vs Aston Villa predicted XI: 3-4-2-1, rotation in EFL Cup

By Akshat Mehrish

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Saul Niguez of Chelsea FC and Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Saul Niguez of Chelsea FC and Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Saul Niguez of Chelsea FC and Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Saul Niguez of Chelsea FC and Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James has played no part in Chelsea’s previous two league games. The Englishman was suspended for the last Aston Villa  contest after picking up a red card against Liverpool. Further, Tuchel decided to play Cesar Azpilicueta over him against Spurs. The midweek cup tie provides the perfect opportunity for the youngster to get some minutes ahead of the big game at the weekend against Manchester City.

Saul Niguez (No. 17) Central midfielder, Spain

As far as debuts go, Saul’s was a pretty disappointing one. The Spaniard looked unassured and unprepared against Villa two weeks ago and was hooked off at halftime by his head coach. The midfielder is still picking up the pieces of a promising career, and he will require time to do so. A cup tie—expected to be less intense than a league outing—should provide the 26-year-old with some much-needed game time. This will allow him to adjust to the pace of the English game and continue to build relationships on the pitch with his new teammates.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Tuchel hinted at a possible appearance for Loftus-Cheek in the midweek cup tie. However, it is unlikely that the Chelsea coach will hand the responsibility of running the show to two players in desperate need of match fitness and minutes. Instead, the German tactician could use a double pivot by partnering Saul with the much more experienced Jorginho before switching things around in the second half. The Italian has evolved into a metronome for the Blues; his assured style of play, as well as his proclivity to guide players around him, could help take the pressure off Saul or Loftus-Cheek.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left wingback, England

Ben Chilwell endured a difficult summer at the European Championships, during which he was unfairly snubbed by England head coach Gareth Southgate time and again. The left back failed to get on the pitch completely, as Southgate picked Luke Shaw and even Kieran Trippier—a right back—ahead of him. Back at Chelsea, Chilwell lost his spot in the team to Marcos Alonso, who has been in sensational form since the start of the season. The cup tie provides an opportunity for the 24-year-old to get some minutes in the first team and work toward winning his place back.

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