Unai Emery has confirmed his Aston Villa starting line-up for this evening's crucial Premier League encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, making two significant changes from last weekend's victory.
Two Key Changes for Villa
The Villa boss has opted to replace striker Ollie Watkins and midfielder Amadou Onana with Emi Buendia and Donyell Malen. This sees Malen lead the line as the central striker, supported by Morgan Rogers and John McGinn, with Buendia operating in the number ten role.
The defensive unit remains unchanged from the side that beat Manchester United 2-1. Emi Martinez starts in goal behind a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelof, and Ian Maatsen. The midfield pivot consists of Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans.
History on the Line at Stamford Bridge
This fixture carries immense historical weight for the visitors. Aston Villa are targeting an 11th consecutive victory this evening, a feat that would match the all-time club record for consecutive wins set in September 1897 and March 1914.
Furthermore, Villa have an impressive recent record in the capital under Emery. They have won 12 of their 21 Premier League away games against London sides during his tenure, a marked improvement on their previous 59 such matches.
The Challenge of Chelsea
Standing in their way is a Chelsea side sitting just one place behind them in fourth, but currently trailing Villa by seven points in the table. The Blues have been strong at home recently, winning three of their last four matches at Stamford Bridge in all competitions.
However, Chelsea have already suffered two league defeats on their own turf this season, against Brighton and Sunderland, offering Villa a potential avenue for success. The stage is set for a fascinating tactical battle between two sides with Champions League aspirations.
Aston Villa starting XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Buendia, Rogers, Malen.
Substitutes: Bizot, Digne, Garcia, Bogarde, Hemmings, Onana, Sancho, Watkins, Jimoh-Aloba.
