Predicted Chelsea XI vs Villa: Palmer cooks in 4-2-3-1

Chelsea entertain Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. And this game should be a very entertaining one. The two clubs are expected to battle it out for one of the Champions League spots. That'll potentially be the last UCL position available for English competitors. Here we predict which players Blues boss Enzo Maresca will entrust with defeating an EPL rival who is close in rank and contemporary standing.

As usual, we envision Cole Palmer being instrumental in the west Londoners' line-up. The England star must begin making as many goal contributions as possible. Maresca can assist this (excuse the pun) by deploying Palmer as high as possible with minimal defensive responsibilities. The former Manchester City starlet must also rid himself of the need to begin moves and arrive at the deadly end of play. Nevertheless, Palmer can 'cook' against the Villans in the Italian's 4-2-3-1 if the structure is right.

Will Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca make crucial change to his XI?

There is a wave of support for Filip Jorgensen in national media. The juxtaposition of Robert Sanchez's often uneven and incompetent performances with Jorgensen's regularly competent displays has led to the championing of a change in goal. To be precise, many prominent journalists advocate the Danish Swede (he's played for both countries' youth teams) taking over as No.1 goalkeeper in the Premier League.

I have to say that Sanchez is clearly one of the weakest aspects of the Chelsea team. Which is rather obvious. Nonetheless, it is unlikely that Maresca will change at this point. Something bad, or significant, will probably have to occur for the Italian to intervene.

This is partly because managers don't like to admit they have made mistakes or been let down. But much of CFC's fan base believe Sanchez has to go. Yet he will remain the starter for now, if you ask me.

Meanwhile, Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto were afforded a rest in midweek; they are thought to be ready for action versus Villa. Reece James is naturally unavailable so the Frenchman feels essential at the moment.

If Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill are both fit, they will resume their centre back partnership. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo could potentially start together in midfield.

Noni Madueke will likely join Neto as the opposing winger. Palmer is the central playmaker in The Pride of London's forecast. And the much improved Nicolas Jackson will be the main striker.

Expected team

Sanchez; Marc Cucurella, Colwill, Fofana, Gusto; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.