Andre Garcia axed in two changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Chelsea
Unai Emery could make two changes to his Aston Villa starting line-up for their Premier League clash against Chelsea.
The Villans welcome the Blues to the West Midlands on Saturday (22 February) and will be looking to take all three points after a draw against Liverpool in midweek.
Despite leading the game in the second half on Wednesday (19 February), Villa conceded in the 61st minute and came away from the encounter with a 2-2 draw.
Andre Garcia dropped for Aston Villa
Emi Martinez is expected to remain in goal for Aston Villa. Emery’s side have certainly conceded more goals than they would’ve liked to this season, highlighted by the fact Martinez has just three clean sheets in the league. Therefore, he will be eager to add to this tally.
Lucas Digne and Tyrone Mings could retain their positions in the back line having performed 12 defensive actions between them [FotMob] against a Liverpool side who had 17 shots on target on Wednesday evening.
Emery is forced to be without Axel Disasi who is not eligible for selection against his parent club and therefore, he may bring Matty Cash in to take his place, with Cash moving across to right-back. Cash could do with strengthening his defensive work if he wants to be head of Disasi when it comes to selection as he has a 56.4% rate for tackles won and a 57.6% rate for duels won this term.
Meanwhile, Garcia could be axed with Lamare Bogarde taking his place instead. Garcia did not have his best performance against Liverpool, making an error that led to an opposition goal. Furthermore, winning just 50% of his duels and performing four defensive actions, suggests that Emery could do with switching it up in his backline. Bogarde could end up slotting in at centre-back.
Youri Tielemans scored his side’s first goal of the evening against Liverpool and he will now be keen to build upon that going forward. Therefore, he is expected to pair up with John McGinn again in midfield.
Marcus Rashford starts for Aston Villa again
Marcus Rashford does need to continue building up his game time but he could be named in the starting line-up for Emery again. The forward needs to work on his play when it comes to creating chances as he had just two passes into the final third and one touch in the box.
However, he won four of his seven duels showing that there is still a player with plenty of determination in there to prove himself.
He could line up again alongside Morgan Rogers, who completed the most dribbles in the game against Liverpool and Marco Asensio.
Ollie Watkins scored his side’s second goal of the evening on Wednesday earning praise from Robbie Fowler and now he is back to fitness, is expected to take his place up top. The striker has 12 goals and five assists this term and will no doubt be eager to up his tally as the season continues.