Shifting the spotlight onto the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, Mauricio Pochettino is refocusing Chelsea’s attention after the recent triumph that secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final. Despite a somewhat unexpected twist in the first-leg defeat against Middlesbrough, the Blues are eager to maintain their cup double aspirations alive.
Aston Villa, currently occupying a coveted position in the Premier League’s top four under Unai Emery, poses a formidable challenge. Since their loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in September, Villa has showcased resilience, losing only three games across all competitions and standing level on points with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Pochettino, mindful of the previous defeat against Villa, is determined to put forth a stronger response. With an impressive nine-game unbeaten streak at home and the prospect of facing league leaders Liverpool on the horizon, Chelsea’s faithful supporters are optimistic about a continued display of excellence.
While the Blues can draw upon the same squad that dominated Boro 6-1 earlier in the week, there’s a cautious approach towards managing the playing time of returning players like Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka. Notably, Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto remain sidelined due to injuries.
In the quest for a balance between game time and FA Cup progression, Pochettino might contemplate making strategic changes. However, one constant in the lineup appears to be goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, a pivotal presence for Chelsea.
Considering the tight turnaround between the victorious Middlesbrough encounter and the impending clash with Aston Villa, Pochettino could opt for adjustments. Notably, there’s a possibility of Alfie Gilchrist stepping in at right-back, leading to a defensive reconfiguration with Axel Disasi moving centrally and Benoit Badiashile joining him. This might entail the vice-captain taking a break, allowing Levi Colwill to revert to the left-hand side of the defense.
With the need to balance the squad and manage fatigue, Cole Palmer might find himself getting a well-deserved rest against Aston Villa. As Pochettino strategizes for this crucial FA Cup match, the lineup is poised to reflect a thoughtful combination of consistency and tactical adjustments.