The Blues' first assignment over the festive period sees us host a Villa side that have won their last ten matches in all competitions. We enter the game having battled from two goals behind to earn a draw at Newcastle United last weekend.

Maresca has made two alterations to the side that started at St James' Park, with one in defence and the other in midfield.

Robert Sanchez continues in goal for the Blues and is set to be protected by a back four of captain Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, who replaces Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella.

Enzo Fernandez comes back into the midfield to partner Moises Caicedo – a move that sees James move into the defence and replace Malo Gusto – while the attack consists of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro.

As outlined by Maresca in his pre-match press conference, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap all return to the squad having overcome injuries.

Chelsea: Sanchez; James (c), Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro

Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen, Gusto, Acheampong, Tosin, Fofana, Andrey Santos, Estevao, Gittens, Delap