Once again, Chelsea FC are consistently inconsistent. It’s two embarrassing losses now, on the heels of three wins. They just can’t seem to turn the corner. Maybe the return of Romeo Lavia will help?
The former Southampton and Manchester City man has spent nearly the entire season injured, so we really haven’t seen what he can actually do yet.
FA Cup Fourth Round Replay FYIs
Chelsea FC at Aston Villa
First meeting result: goalless draw
Fun fact: Aston Villa have shut out Chelsea in their last three meeting across all competitions, but they’ve never kept a clean sheet against the Blues in four straight.
Kick: Wed. Feb. 6, 7:45pm, Villa Park, Birmingham, UK
Chelsea Preview Material: On the Pitch Team Newsย ย Starting XI Predictionย ย Off the Pitch Team News
Book on the Premier League authored by The Sports Bank Founder Paul M. Banks: go here
Team News for Both Sides
And Lavia is a payer who comes to Stamford Bridge with massive expectations (and transfer fee amount). Speaking of massive transfer fees, for what it’s worth, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have not lived up to their price tags.
If Lavia is ready to go in midweek, having recovered from his unspecified injury, maybe he might be the answer in the middle of the park.
Although he still might not be back here. His return might have to wait until next weekend.
Elsewhere goalkeeper Robert Sanchez (knee), Lesley Ugochukwu (hamstring), Marc Cucurella (ankle) Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) and Levi Colwill (knee) are all doubts while Reece James (hamstring) remains out long-term.
Shifting gears to the Villans, forward Jhon Duran (hamstring) is about a week or so away while Lucas Digne (also a hamstring) is a doubt.
Pau Torres (ankle) and Emiliano Buendia (knee ligament) are moving closer towards a return while Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause (both knee) remain out for the long-term.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager ofย The Sports Bank.ย Heโs also theย author of โTransatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,โ andย โNo, I Canโt Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.โ
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