Chelsea XI vs Aston Villa: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Double boost in attack as two players return

Estevao sat out of the away trips to Cardiff and Newcastle with a small muscular injury, but is now back available for the visit of Villa.

Delap, meanwhile, has been out since a shoulder injury forced him off in the goalless draw with Bournemouth on December 6, missing four games.

But both are back available in a boost to the Chelsea head coach, who also confirmed on Christmas Eve that Cole Palmer is finally ready to play a full 90 minutes after being carefully managed through his four appearances since returning from a groin injury that saw him unavailable for more than two months.

Maresca opted to use Enzo Fernandez as a substitute at St James’ Park on December 20 and must decide whether to reintroduce the Argentine to his starting line-up or keep faith with captain Reece James as Moises Caicedo’s midfield partner.

Maresca will name a strong team against the side sat immediately above Chelsea in third place in the Premier League table.

Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all remain absent with longer-term injuries.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro

Injured: Essugo, Lavia, Colwill

Time and date: 5:30pm GMT on Saturday, December 27, 2025

Venue: Stamford Bridge