Hato joined from Ajax in the summer for an initial fee of £35.5 million ($47.9 million) as Chelsea sought versatile cover for the ever-present Marc Cucurella, but the 19-year-old is yet to see his Stamford Bridge career take flight.

After a week’s rest, Chelsea face a gauntlet of three matches in quick succession, starting with a top-four clash against Aston Villa and ending with a top-four clash against Manchester City: sandwiching a must-win against Bournemouth at home.

Chelsea showed their resilience when they fought back from 2-0 down to draw with Newcastle and I can see them digging in again here, to end Villa's winning run.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.

Preview the matchup between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa with predictions, odds, over/under, betting lines and more.

Aston Villa have taken a ‘closer look’ at Bologna striker Santiago Castro. That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, who say Villa have been tracking the Argentine for the last two years.

The red-hot Villans have won their last 10 matches across all competitions, including seven in the Premier League as they announce themselves as a potential title contender. Chelsea are tasked with ending that streak and inflicting a first defeat since the beginning of November.

Aston Villa are looking to strengthen the team in the January transfer window. The Premier League club are very interested in signing Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen. A report from Radio