Chelsea vs Aston Villa Combined XI: Werner absent as Villa outnumber Blues

The first of two intriguing matches between sides gunning for European football this season sees Chelsea - who were billed as title candidates until recently - host a Villa side that jumped above the Blues in the league on Boxing Day. In fact, ahead of the evening kick-off at Stamford Bridge, Villa are ahead of Frank Lampard's side on goal difference with two games in hand, and their standing is reflected in our combined XI between the sides.

To qualify players must have made at least five league appearances and be available for selection, ruling out those that are injured, such as Hakim Ziyech, suspended, such as Tyrone Mings, and ineligible, such as Ross Barkley. It is, however, only the latter that would have made the cut based on this season's league ratings if he were available, with Timo Werner among those eligible to miss out.

 

Emiliano Martinez - 6.94

A few weeks ago many may have considered the goalkeeper spot in a combined XI between these two sides to be very much up for debate but in recent times it's become a very one sided affair. Indeed, Martinez beats Edouard Mendy to the spot having conceded fewer goals per game and kept more clean sheets (8 to 6) despite having to make almost twice as many saves per 90 (3.2 to 1.7).

Matty Cash - 7.17

Perhaps the most surprising inclusion in this side to many, or at least those that haven't watched Villa often this season, summer signing Cash pips Reece James to the right-back berth. It's a similar story in terms of the Chelsea man enduring a tough run of form of late, ending up on the losing side three games running. Meanwhile Cash has made more tackles and interceptions per game (5.4) than any other player to have made at least ten appearances.

Kurt Zouma - 7.28

The first Chelsea man to make the cut in a back four dominated by the Blues, Zouma has enjoyed his best season to date in England so far, with his aerial prowess a real feature at both ends. It's enabled the 26-year-old to score four times already, winning over 72 per cent of his total aerial duels and completing over 90 per cent of his passes.

Thiago Silva - 6.97

Perhaps the most consistent of Chelsea's summer signings thus far, given Silva's wealth of experience that should hardly come as a surprise. It seems little coincidence that Zouma's game has improved markedly since the Brazilian's arrival, with the 36-year-old scoring twice himself and boasting the third best pass accuracy in the league of players to make ten or more appearances (92.4 per cent).

Ben Chilwell - 7.21

Completing the back four, Chilwell has impressed from an attacking standpoint in particular from the left having had a direct hand in five goals in 12 league appearances. His delivery into the box has been strong and sees him comfortably beat Matt Targett to the left-back spot.

John McGinn - 7.02

With a pivotal role in setting the tempo for Villa both in and out of possession, McGinn is arguably Dean Smith's most trusted lieutenant and is back to full fitness having looked sluggish following a long-term injury last season. The Scot has four assists to his name and his all action style is key in matches against strong opposition in particular.

N'Golo Kante - 6.96

Looking more comfortable back at the base of a midfield trio this season more often than not, Kante's ball winning ability has resurfaced. He ranks seventh for tackles (41) and second for interceptions (35) this season, although like many of his teammates his form has dropped quite markedly this month.

Mason Mount - 7.37

Despite their summer splurge and the understandable excitement around many of the new arrivals, Chelsea's highest rated player this season is Mason Mount. It's testament to the staying power of the youngster, who has had to silence some harsh doubters and face accusations of being a coaches pet for both club and country but shown exactly why he has earned so much faith from messrs Lampard and Southgate. While figures of one goal and three assists are modest, the versatile midfielder is averaging at least two tackles, shots and key passes per game respectively and has been a constant bright spark in a team whose spotlight has diminished of late.

Anwar El Ghazi - 7.33

It's been quite the turnaround for El Ghazi, who was hounded off of social media by critics within his own fanbase a matter of months ago but is now in sparkling form in the absence of Ross Barkley and Trezeguet. The Dutchman has scored four goals in his last four appearances following a stunning strike against Crystal Palace last time out and ranks as high as 15th in the league for shots on target (14) despite playing just 317 minutes of action!

Ollie Watkins - 7.38

He may not be able to catch a break in front of goal of late, with two goals ruled out by the finest of margins in recent weeks compounded by two efforts against the woodwork on Saturday but Watkins' outstanding work rate has not gone unnoticed. Villa's new striker has led by example from the front, with willing running off the ball allowing those around him to flourish, not to mention scoring six times and registering two assists.

Jack Grealish - 8.01

The highest rated player in the Premier League at the time of writing, Grealish is in remarkable form and at his creative best. Indeed, despite registering six assists this season, that tally doesn't really do him justice having created the most chances in the league (49), out in front by an even clearer margin when excluding set pieces. He's scored five goals for himself to boot, ranks third in dribbles (39) and is, as usual, the most fouled player in the league by a country mile.