Cash could be central to Villa’s chances. — AFP
ASTON Villa are currently the team in form, and will be beaming with confidence when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face hosts Chelsea tomorrow.
Since losing 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield in early November, the Villans are now on a 10-match victory march in all competitions.
In the Premier League, it is a seven-match winning run including three played away from home.
And in dramatic fashion, all three away matches saw Villa concede early goals before staging comebacks to secure victory.
These included matches against Leeds, Brighton and West Ham.
Prior to the defeat at Liverpool, Villa had also come from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in October.
Given Chelsea’s current erratic form, it should give Unai Emery’s side an additional boost in their bid to pick up all three points.
It is a stark contrast to how Villa began the season in early August, having failed to win any of their first six matches in all competitions before finally picking up their first victory in late September, a 1-0 win over Bologna in the Europa League.
They are currently third in the Premier League table with 36 points, three behind leaders Arsenal and one behind Manchester City.
Villa are now being touted as one of the contenders for the league title.
Gusto is one of four Chelsea players who have seen red this season. — Reuters
Against the Blues, Emery will be without Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley, all sidelined through injury.
Jadon Sancho, on loan from Chelsea, is unavailable to face his parent club, while fellow loanee Harvey Elliott from Liverpool has been frozen out due to a clause in his contract.
Evann Guessand meanwhile is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
The starting XI that beat Manchester United 2-1 earlier this week should be retained by Emery.
Emiliano Martinez will be between the posts, with Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelof and Ian Maatsen in front of him.
In midfield, Boubacar Kamara and Andre Onana will form the double pivot protecting the defence, while John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers support Ollie Watkins in attack.
Rogers will be the player Chelsea should be most wary of, having scored four goals in his last two matches.
The England international currently has seven league goals and three assists.
Other threats Enzo Maresca’s side must watch for include Watkins, Donyell Malen and Emiliano Buendia.
Malen, though often starting on the bench, has contributed seven goals in all competitions, including four in the Premier League.
One concern for Emery, however, is Villa’s defence, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches in all competitions.
As for Chelsea, Maresca will hope his team can perform with greater consistency.
Injuries, suspensions, tactical issues and possibly internal matters are said to be contributing to their inconsistency.
Despite securing only one win in their last five league matches, the Blues are currently fourth and 10 points behind Arsenal.
They are level on points with Liverpool, though the Reds trail significantly on goal difference in fifth.
Maresca will be without Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia, both long-term absentees, while Liam Delap and Estevao will need to be assessed by club doctors.
Robert Sanchez will start in goal, with Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella expected to form the defence.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez should anchor the centre of the park, with Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho joining Joao Pedro in attack.
Chelsea are expected to try to dominate possession against Villa.
The Blues, however, must be cautious and avoid being overzealous, as they have accumulated the most red cards in the Premier League this season, with four – a factor that has cost them points in several matches.
The recipients are Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo.
Maresca himself was also sent off during the 2-1 win over Liverpool in October.
If previous encounters at Stamford Bridge are any indication, Chelsea should hold the upper hand.
The Blues have won seven of their last 10 league matches at home and lost twice to Villa.
The last time both sides met in London, Maresca’s team won comfortably with a 3-0 scoreline.
But judging by recent form, Aston Villa appear to have a fair chance of causing an upset and extending their impressive winning run.
