Predicted Chelsea lineup (3-4-2-1) vs Aston Villa, Werner and James start

Chelsea entertain Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup third round tonight. The Blues are unbeaten this term across all competitions, and they will be eyeing progress to the fourth round of the Cup competition.

Predicted Lineup:

Edouard Mendy has been deemed doubtful with a hip concern. Kepa Arrizabalaga is most likely to continue between the sticks tonight.

The backline could see up to three changes. Thiago Silva could make way for the return for Trevoh Chalobah in the central defence.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso could be given a breather. Reece James and Ben Chilwell are most likely to replace them in the wing-back roles.

The trio of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic could be rested for the weekend's league clash against Manchester City at home.

This could pave the way for Saul Niguez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to start in midfield. The latter has played just one minute so far this season.

Further forward, a complete reshuffle is expected with Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku being rested with the City game in mind.

Timo Werner looks set to lead the attack. Behind them, there could be potential starts for Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Christian Pulisic has been nursing an ankle injury from international duty, and he is not expected to return in time for the Villans clash.

Predicted Chelsea lineup (3-4-2-1): Arrizabalaga; Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Saul, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell; Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi; Werner.