ASTON VILLA VS CHELSEA PREDICTED LINE-UPS AS UNAI EMERY HANDED KEY BOOST

Aston Villa are set to be handed a fitness boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Chelsea this weekend.

The Blues are battling to qualify for Europe as the Premier League season nears its conclusion. Mauricio Pochettino's side travel to Villa Park to take on Unai Emery in a game that will have a major impact on both club's final league standings.

Douglas Luiz is expected to return for Villa after serving a two-game suspension in the Premier League. Luis was handed the suspension after amassing 10 yellow cards up to and including Villa's 32nd Premier League fixture, reports Birmingham Live.

John McGinn and Youri Tielemans will likely feature as well. However, with Luiz's return, McGinn could be utilised in a more advanced role, with Luiz slotting back into the side alongside Tielemans in the double pivot.

Leon Bailey and Morgan Rogers are anticipated to retain their spots on the wings, which could see Moussa Diaby dropped to the bench in favour of the returning Luiz. McGinn could also support Ollie Watkins in attack. Emi Martinez is likely to start in goal behind an unchanged defence consisting of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne.

Chelsea go into the game on the back of a disappointing 5-0 loss to Arsenal in midweek. The Blues travel to Villa Park without a win in their last four away games across all competitions.

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Aston Villa's predicted line-up vs Chelsea: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, Luiz, Tielemans, Bailey, Rogers, McGinn, Watkins.

2024-04-26T17:07:30Z dg43tfdfdgfd