How should Chelsea line up against Aston Villa in the League Cup?

Less than two weeks after our last meeting at Stamford Bridge, a 3-0 win in the league, Aston Villa get another shot at Chelsea, this time in the League cup. That win looked better on the scoreboard than on the pitch, as the visitors gave us fits for long stretches with their quality and aggressive pressing. Fortunately, we showed our individual qualities when it mattered the most, with Romelu Lukaku grabbing a brace and Mateo Kovačić popping up with a goal thanks to a gift giveaway by a defender.

Both teams are likely to play much-changed squads for this rematch however, with Chelsea in-between massive games against Spurs, away, and Manchester City, at home, and Villa facing the prospect of having to travel to Manchester United on Saturday.

Could we perhaps see some of the fringe players get minutes? Maybe a youngster or two from the Academy?

Thomas Tuchel was hopeful of having Christian Pulisic back for this game, but that doesn’t sound likely to happen at all. Meanwhile, Édouard Mendy’s out with a rib bruise, though he was unlikely to play in any case.

Choose wisely.

(Live results)