Chelsea’s Predicted XI vs Aston Villa: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as his side return to Premier League action against Aston Villa

Chelsea’s Predicted XI vs Aston Villa: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as his side return to Premier League action against Aston Villa.   

This afternoon’s clash at Villa Park sees fourth-placed Chelsea try and increase their advantage over their Champions League qualification rivals.

Manchester United recorded a solid point against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers grabbed all three against West Ham United.

This has put extra pressure on the Blues, knowing they have to get a result to hold on to their slender advantage over the chasing pack.

Villa themselves are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table, So what team will Lampard pick to try and gain a vital three points. Here we predict the Chelsea boss’ XI…

Goalkeeper: Lampard has stuck with veteran stopper Willy Caballero after dropping Kepa Arrizabalaga before lockdown.

Defenders: Chelsea’s last game was back in March where they dismantled Everton 4-0. We expect to see the same starting back four of  Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and Marcos Alonso. Form doesn’t mean much at this time, but Lampard is likely to reward those four players.

Midfielders: Lampard has a selection headache in midfield with so many top players to choose from. N’Golo Kante has recovered from his injury, with a full squad of players to choose from. The former England man is likely to choose three midfielders and we expect the trio of Ross Barkley, Billy Gilmour and N’Golo Kante.

Forwards: With three forwards to choose from, Lampard may give Tammy Abraham the chance to impress again, just like he did at the very start of the campaign. Despite him being on his way out of Stamford Bridge, Brazil international Willian is likely to get the nod with Mason Mount the other attacker.

Predicted XI: Caballero; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Alonso: Gilmour, Kante, Barkley; Mount, Willian, Abraham.