Ollie Watkins finally axed in three Unai Emery changes – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Chelsea
Aston Villa are aiming to return to winning ways when they host Chelsea in a mouth-watering clash on Wednesday.
Unai Emery’s side are back at Villa Park with a point to prove after losing 2-0 away to 20th-placed Wolves in the Premier League on Friday.
Having dropped down to fourth in the table, there is now some worry that Villa could miss out on Champions League football, which seemed unfathomable at the start of 2026.
The Villans have to respond convincingly against Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea, and it wouldn’t be a shock if Ollie Watkins were to drop down to the bench as part of the three changes that Emery makes.
Tammy Abraham gets not ahead of Ollie Watkins
For far too long now, Watkins has had no real competition at Villa, meaning that he effectively starts every game he is fit for.
However, he hasn’t been at his best this season, and the arrival of Tammy Abraham in January has put his place in the starting line-up in jeopardy.
According to Sofascore, the 30-year-old has won only 39 per cent of his aerial duels, and it’s clear that Abraham deserves the chance to start up front.
| Stat | Watkins |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 1 |
| xG | 9.48 |
| Shots | 55 |
If he is to come into the side, then he could test Chelsea’s centre-backs in a much more direct way, which may potentially unsettle them.
Emi Buendia could also drop out, with Ross Barkley replacing him in attacking midfield to give the Villans a bit more physicality.
The final change would see Ian Maatsen come into the side for Lucas Digne, who has been incredibly poor in recent weeks.
The Frenchman’s defending has come under intense scrutiny, and Maatsen should certainly be considered as the starting left-back in the foreseeable future.
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Why Ian Maatsen should be Aston Villa’s first-choice left-back
Despite the fact he’s yet to register a goal or assist in the league this term, the Dutchman has been a lively and impactful presence in attack.
Having already played for Chelsea and Dortmund, Maatsen has always been tipped for a promising future.
He already has more starts this season (12) than in 2024-25 (10), which shows that Emery is gradually starting to trust him.
With Digne failing to impress, Maatsen must be recalled to the team, and a convincing performance against his former side would do wonders for his confidence and Villa’s overall efforts in B6.
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