Chelsea – Aston Villa coming down to one key duel which could have major effect next summer | OneFootball

Chelsea take on Aston Villa this afternoon, and while this is really a game of two teams towards the top of the table looking to convince everyone (or perhaps, anyone) that they’re really title contenders and not just aiming to stay in the top four mix, there’s a new narrative thread emerging.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers prepare for exciting duel

Cole Palmer in action against Newcastle. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have been friends for a long time, and are now the attacking talismans of their respective teams. This battle between old friends has been played up before, but only now, with Rogers reaching new levels of form and fame, is it really making the back pages.

The Villa attacking midfielder scored two superb goals last time out, while Palmer has been struggling all season with form and injuries. If ever there was a moment where Rogers looked to eclipse Palmer, this would be it.

The added to spice to it all is that they seem to be competing for a single space in Thomas Tuchel’s England team next summer. Palmer is running out of time to impress, and a big performance in a game like today’s, with the coach sure to be watching, could be a massive turning point.

But the same goes for Rogers too, who could go a long way to sealing his place if he shines at Stamford Bridge.

17.30 tonight, tune in… we can’t wait.

In other news…

As we enter this hectic period, being able to control the ball and thereby control the game is going to prove crucial, and Chelsea have already proved very capable at that under Enzo Maresca, as the stats now show.

Enzo Maresca gave a little bonus presser last night to update us on a few things, including minor injuries to two Chelsea players who are unlikely to feature this evening.