How Chelsea could line up against Aston Villa

© Reuters

Heading into Wednesday's EFL Cup clash with Aston Villa, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel could look to rotate his squad, giving chances to several players who are yet to feature heavily this season.

That could include the likes of Timo Werner, who should lead the line if Romelu Lukaku is rested, and Hakim Ziyech, who could also come into the front three to relieve the workload on Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

They will remain without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy through a hip injury, meaning Kepa Arrizabalaga should continue to deputies between the sticks.

The only other absentee should be winger Christian Pulisic, and Callum Hudson-Odoi will likely complete the front three in his absence if Tuchel does opt to rest Mount, Havertz and Lukaku.

Further back, Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez should be handed a start, after he had a tough debut against Aston Villa in the Premier League following his summer loan move from Atletico Madrid.

Given his lack of game time in the Premier League, Ben Chilwell should come into the left wing-back spot, while young centre-back Trevoh Chalobah scored on the opening day of the league season, and should certainly play a role from the start on Wednesday.

With the Blues expected to stick with their established 3-4-3 system, Chalobah could be joined in a back three by Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta, given their limited rotation options in defence.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Arrizabalaga; Christensen, Chalobah, Azpilicueta; James, Niguez, Kovacic, Chilwell; Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Ziyech