How Chelsea could line up against Aston Villa

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Chelsea come into Sunday's away game against Aston Villa needing a victory to confirm their spot in the top four of the Premier League table, meaning that they cannot afford to rest key players for next Saturday's Champions League final.

That should see Thomas Tuchel line up with his strongest available front three of Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner.

That comes in the absence of Kai Havertz, who missed their recent 2-1 victory over Leicester City through injury.

He should be joined on the sidelines by midfielder N'Golo Kante, who was forced off in that Leicester match and is unlikely to be risked before the Champions League final as a result.

Mateo Kovacic came on for Kante in that match to form a solid midfield pairing with Jorginho, who netted a penalty to put his side 2-0 up.

Tuchel should stick with that pair in the middle, while Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva are expected to continue to line up across the back three.

Rudiger in particular has vastly improved since Tuchel's appointment in January, and the Germany international has become a staple in the Blues' back line.

Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell will battle for the spot on the left-hand side, and we expect Alonso to be favoured as he has in several important games under the German manager.

Chelsea possible starting XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Werner, Pulisic

> Click here to see how Aston Villa could line up for this clash