Key events
Emery is asked to explain the thinking behind Onana and Watkins dropping to the bench. “We need players,” he says. “More or less, they are responding very well. We must play today 90 minutes and we must try to use our capacity collectively and individually as well, use our momentum. Over 90 minutes today we need to keep strong out game plan, and use our individual players – each one with their skills, their wishes to play their football – and then, good.”
Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, Maresca is asked about the challenges presented by having to watch the match from the stands. “It’s very difficult, because I would like to be there,” he says. “But, at the same time, the coaching staff is there and I am in contact with them, so no problem.”
Meanwhile Enzo Maresca, who is serving a touchline ban after being booked in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle, has brought in Benoît Badiashile and Enzo Fernández at the expense of Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto.
Unai Emery has made two changes to the side which beat Manchester United last time out, Emi Buendía and Donyell Malen swapping in for Amadou Onana and Ollie Watkins. It’s not often Watkins has ended up on the bench this season, so it’s an interesting reshuffle.
Elsewhere in the top flight, the results are in. Arsenal held on to beat Brighton 2-1 in a nervy match at the Emirates, Brentford thrashed Bournemouth 4-1, Burnley and Everton played out a messy 0-0 draw, Liverpool edged Wolves 2-1 and Fulham won 1-0 at West Ham. Liverpool’s victory means Chelsea start this match in fifth, three points behind Arne Slot’s side, while Villa remain third, four points behind second-place City.
Looking for some pre-match reading? Here’s our report from the early Premier League kick-off, with Manchester City winning 2-1 at Nottingham Forest, plus a bit of Scottish Premiership and Africa Cup of Nations action.
The teams
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Badiashile, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; João Pedro. Subs: Jörgensen, Adarabioyo, Delap, Bynoe-Gittens, Santos, Gusto, Fofana, Acheampong, Estêvão.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Lindelöf, Konsa, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Malen. Subs: Bizot, Watkins, Digne, García, Sancho, Jimah, Onana, Bogarde, Hemmings.
Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)
Preamble
Evening. Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge – and is there a more unwelcome visiting team? Unai Emery’s side are on a jaw-dropping run of 10 consecutive wins in all competitions. Momentum, baby. They also have a player in Morgan Rogers capable of bending a game to his will, even if those around him drop their levels. The battle between Rogers and Cole Palmer will be a must-watch, and one Thomas Tuchel will be relishing. Kick-off is at 5.30pm.
