Chelsea take on Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup third round this evening, and despite Thomas Tuchel saying he is taking the competition seriously, it will mean chances for many fringe players to get minutes.
And there are many of those at Chelsea right now dying to get some minutes on the park and try to impress Tuchel.
I’ve changed my mind a few times on this line up, but on the day of the match and basing off comments from Tuchel and other reports, I’ve conducted my final predicted line up for tonight.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga potentially needed for the weekend with Edouard Mendy still a doubt, we could see a debut for Marcus Bettinelli in the sticks.
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The back three will probably still include Andreas Christensen in the centre, with Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah either side.
The wings backs are likely to be Reece James and Ben Chilwell, with all three of our big double pivot players being given a rest, with Saul Niguez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek potentially getting the nod there.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will hopefully be given a chance in his preferred position as the left attacker, then Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner are expected to join him.
Predicted Xl vs Villa –
(3-4-3): Bettinelli, Chalobah, Christensen, Sarr. James, Saul, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell. Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Werner.
