Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news

Palmer is expected to start tonight (Picture: Getty)

Cole Palmer is expected to feature for Chelsea this evening in their Premier League clash with Aston Villa .

The Blues have been carefully managing Palmer’s fitness all season but the worst of those injuries woes appeared to be behind him, missing just one of his side’s last 15 league matches.

The England international needed treatment during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates but Liam Rosenior yesterday eased fears over a setback, insisting Palmer is ‘absolutely fine’ to start at Villa Park tonight.

There are doubts however over Marc Cucurella and Estevao Willian who have been recovering from hamstring injuries.

Cucurella was forced off in the draw with Leeds United, missing the games against Hull City, Burnley and Arsenal as a result.

Both Jorrel Hato and Malo Gusto have deputised in his place but it is the Dutchman who was given the nod at the Emirates at the weekend.

While Rosenior did not rule out the Spain international, he suggested Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Wrexham could be a more likely return date.

Cucurella has missed the last three games (Picture: Shutterstock)

Estevao meanwhile has also sat out of the last two games but has returned to training this week.

Pedro Neto will sit this one out after his red card at the Emirates but Wesley Fofana is available again after his suspension.

Chelsea start the evening in sixth place, six points behind tonight’s opponents. Villa sit fourth, slipping out of the top three at the weekend.

With Neto suspended and Estevao and Gittens still absent, Alejandro Garnacho could get his first start in the league since being hauled off at half-time against Wes Ham United at the end of January.

The Argentina international has a reasonable return of six goals and three assists in his first season in the capital.