Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Aston Villa as Fernandez, Jackson and James calls made

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will once again have the dilemma of choosing which players can make up his starting XI to face Aston Villa on Sunday.

Off the back of their European victory over Heidenheim, the Blues had the luxury of leaving a host of key players at home as the Italian boss called up five players from the academy for the away fixture in Germany.

Competition is rife for places at Stamford Bridge and that will be reflected in Maresca’s selection choices, with Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson and Reece James all learning their fate.

Express Sport takes a look at how the Blues could line up at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez

The Spaniard was denied a clean sheet at the death against Leicester after the Blues gave away a cheap penalty.

But the 28-year-old didn’t exactly convince in his attempts to save Jordan Ayew’s weak spot-kick.

Despite that, Filip Jorgensen very much remains the backup choice and the Dane’s selection against Hedenheim on Thursday suggests he will be on the bench again.

Defenders: Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella

James has been ruled out until 2025 after suffering a new hamstring problem, with Maresca admitting there is no definitive time frame for his return.

“We cannot say because we do not know how long the recovery time is.,” he said. “He is getting better and better day by day. We are there waiting for him – no rush.”

It remains to be seen whether Malo Gusto will be fit to return after missing the 2-1 win over Leicester through illness. If the 21-year-old doesn’t start, Fofana will continue at right-back as he did at the King Power.

Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer

Maresca has generally preferred to partner Romeo Lavia alongside Caicedo, but Fernandez’s man-of-the-match display against Leicester should earn him a start ahead of the Belgian.

All three midfielders will be well-rested after being left at home for the Conference League clash against Heidenheim, with Maresca using the ‘B team’ to help rotate his squad ahead of the Villa game.

But Lavia’s unimpressive cameo last time out – where he conceded a late penalty after fouling Bobby De Cordova-Reid inside the box – is likely to confine him to the bench.

Attackers: Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Joao Felix

Jackson’s form puts him near the goalscoring charts and, despite admitting Christopher Nkunku is unhappy with his lack of minutes, Maresca will keep the French forward on the bench again.

There was a fine link-up between Jackson and Felix in the last game on the Portuguese’s first start, with the Chelsea boss giving him a special mention in his post-match interview. Barring any late injuries against Heidenheim, the frontline should remain unchanged.

Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho will be pushing for minutes from the bench after returning to full fitness.