Neto out, Garnacho in; Predicted Chelsea XI vs Aston Villa | OneFootball

Chelsea travel to Villa Park tonight facing a pivotal moment in their bid for Champions League qualification.

Currently sitting sixth, Liam Rosenior’s side are aiming to end a three-match Premier League winless run against an Aston Villa outfit who occupy fourth place with a six-point cushion.

However, the Blues will be without one of their primary creative outlets.

Pedro Neto is unavailable after receiving a red card in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal. His suspension, coupled with a hamstring injury to Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian only just returning to light training, leaves a glaring vacancy on the left wing. That opens the door for Alejandro Garnacho.

Despite rumours circulating this week that the club may consider selling the Argentine this summer, Rosenior has hailed the winger as ‘outstanding’ in training and backed him to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

Garnacho, who nearly salvaged a draw against Arsenal with a late cross, is expected to make a rare start.

In defence, Chelsea are boosted by the return of Wesley Fofana from suspension. He is expected to slot straight back in alongside Trevoh Chalobah, with Jorrel Hato continuing at left-back.

Cole Palmer and Reece James have both been cleared to start despite minor fitness concerns at the Emirates.

The midfield anchor is set to remain unchanged, with Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos providing the platform for Enzo Fernandez to operate in a more advanced role. Leading the line will be Joao Pedro, who looks to add to his 11 league goals.