Chelsea vs. Aston Villa: How the Blues Should Line Up in Premier League Clash

Chelsea will be hoping to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League season when they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Villans are currently third in the league, three points behind the Blues, as they look to avoid the fight for survival that has characterised their last two campaigns.

The home side went through to the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday night, beating Bolton 2-1 with a starting XI consisting of nine changes from the side that drew with Manchester City at the Etihad. Jose Mourinho said at his pre-match press conference that he would not be keeping one eye on next week's Champions League tie with Sporting Lisbon, and would pick the best XI to beat the Villans.

"

Jose says he will select the best team to take on Aston Villa tomorrow, not thinking about the following game. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) September 26, 2014"

Petr Cech made his first start of the season against Bolton but is likely to return to the bench for the visit of Villa. Thibaut Courtois will replace him as he looks to continue his impressive debut season with the club.

Cesar Azpilicueta started in his natural right-back position on Wednesday and put in a good enough performance to retain that place for Saturday’s game. Branislav Ivanovic was given a well-deserved rest for the Bolton game but should return to replace Gary Cahill at centre-half. Despite an impressive debut performance which he capped with a goal, Kurt Zouma is likely to be replaced by John Terry, with Filipe Luis completing the defence at left-back.

Speaking about his time at the club so far, the Brazilian was optimistic about his chances, telling Sky Sports:

"

The team are doing a great job. We won the first four league games and drew the fifth one. I have nothing to complain about. I have to wait for my chance and when it comes I must make sure I don’t go out of the first XI.

…My fitness is perfect. I feel fresh. I’m not tired because I didn’t play in all the games and I hope when the coach needs me, I will be at my best and full of confidence.

"

The holding midfield of John Obi Mikel and Nathan Ake provided stability to the side against Bolton but should be superseded by the preferred pairing of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas for the Premier League fixture. The duo complement each other perfectly as Matic covers the defensive side having completed 20 tackles so far, while Fabregas works with the attack, already registering six assists in the league per WhoSocred.com.

Eden Hazard should return to the left of the attacking trio having made a cameo appearance in midweek, while Oscar’s goal against Bolton should see him keep his place in the No.10 role. Andre Schurrle is likely to start on the right of the attack after coming close to scoring several times in the Capital One Cup tie.

Diego Costa did not feature in the cup tie as according to Jose Mourinho, via Goal.com, he is still unable to play more than once a week. Despite ending his run of scoring in consecutive Premier League matches when he could only hit the woodwork against City last week, he remains the league’s top scorer and should replace Remy in the XI for Saturday.

Created using the B/R formation builder.

The official Chelsea website has dug up some excellent statistics ahead of this match. It will be Chelsea’s 2000th home league match in their 109-year history, while it also represents Mourinho’s 250th game in charge over both his tenures as manager. Whatever XI he chooses, The Special One will want to mark these milestones with a win, opening the gap at the top of the league in the process.

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