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Predicted Chelsea XI to face Aston Villa: Potter makes Kante & Mount decision as Havertz eyes four in four

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(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Chelsea are looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to five matches this weekend when they host Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Graham Potter is raring to get back to club action after he oversaw his Chelsea side go unbeaten in March with three wins and a draw in all competitions.

The last-minute leveller from Ellis Simms to ensure Everton denied Chelsea of the victory last time out has spurred Potter to bounce back from the disappointment to move three points ahead of Aston Villa this weekend with a win.

“It’s really exciting, it’s going to be an exciting month,” said Potter. “The focus of us is to stay present to think about the next game. It’s a very tough game against Aston Villa.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news and prediction

“We’re at home, we want to respond to the disappointment we had against Everton in terms of dropping points so we’re looking forward to that.”

So how could Chelsea line-up against Aston Villa?

Possible XI: Kepa, Cucurella, Badiashile, Koulibaly, Chilwell, Fernandez, Kovacic, James, Felix, Mudryk, Havertz

Kepa Arrizabalaga will keep his place in goal with Edouard Mendy stepping up his recovery from a fractured finger having returned to training.

Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are all out which will give Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly the chance to start as Chelsea will likely continue with a back three.

N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount are both set to be in the squad, however the midfield duo will begin on the bench, with Potter hoping Kante can collect some minutes against Villa.

The 47-year-old admitted: “Mason has trained and is available, probably not from the start but in the squad. (Kante’s) been training well. He’s available in the squad and I’m pretty sure he’ll be on the pitch at some point.”

Reece James and Kai Havertz are both expected to be available despite withdrawing early from international duty. Christian Pulisic (illness) is doubtful, while Raheem Sterling is unavailable which could give the opportunity to Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix to begin in attack.

“Raheem’s coming back but he will miss the game, he’s got more chance for Tuesday (against Liverpool),” added Potter. “He was close.

“Christian Pulisic is the only one really, he has a heavy hold returning from international duty so he’s the one we have to check on.

“Kai was fever but he’s recovered now and has trained the last couple of days. Reece is well. He has had the last two sessions with us, so provided there is no reaction, he should be available as well.”

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