The FA and League Cup offer Chelsea a chance to save their season, and they are already in the final of the Carabao Cup after beating Middlesbrough impressively. They will take on departing Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side next month.
Chelsea have been getting better, it's just not the momentous rise we expected but they could knock out Villa who still have Europa and possibly Premier League ambitions. Mauricio Pochettino's side are unbeaten at home since October. Mykhailo Mudryk who was signed for £89million last year and started against Middlesbrough is dropped to the bench with Conor Gallagher starting.
Aston Villa have Newcastle in the league this weekend so there is a temptation they might keep one eye on that game while Chelsea cannot afford to not go full pelt. Their league form has them ninth so this is really where the season could be defined.
The Argentinian has injury issues with Reece James, Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah all ruled out of this one but the treatment table is gradually seeing fewer names, Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku are all back in training even though this game comes four days early for them.
They'll be wrapped this evening but expect to see them in the squad when Chelsea make the trip to Anfield next week. Pochettino admitted winning a Cup at Chelsea is top of his agenda so having reached one final, he's gone full throttle here to give himself the best chance of winning again.
Here is the team he's put out:
1. GK: Djordje Petrovic
He was impressive again against Boro. Interesting to see what happens when Sanchez returns.
2. RB: Axel Disasi
Always plays when he's fit and will be boosted by the goal he scored.
3. CB: Thiago Silva
Admitted this week that this could be the last season for him at the Bridge.
4. LB: Levi Colwill
Enjoyed a good game at centre half against Boro.