Key events
Aston Villa make two changes to the starting XI selected for the original clash at Stamford Bridge 12 days ago. Diego Carlos and Leon Bailey come on for Moussa Diaby, who drops to the bench, and Ezri Konsa, who has a knee injury.
Chelsea make three changes to their starting lineup since that game. Ben Chilwell, Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson replace Thiago Silva, Alfie Gilchrist and Raheem Sterling, all of whom drop to the bench.
The teams
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Diego Carlos, Lenglet, Alex Moreno, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Tielemans, Bailey, Watkins.
Substitutes: Torres, Chambers, Diaby, Zaniolo, Olsen, Ramsey, Iroegbunam, Wright, Kellyman.
Chelsea: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Chilwell, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer, Gallagher, Madueke, Jackson.
Substitutes: Thiago Silva, Sterling, Mudryk, Bettinelli, Chukwuemeka, Nkunku, Gilchrist, Bergstrom, Samuels-Smith.
Referee: Thomas Bramall (Sheffield).
preamble
It’s a repeat of the 2000 final. Whatever happens, tonight’s game won’t be as bad as this thunderous non-event. But otherwise, good luck calling. Aston Villa have won two of their last three games against Chelsea and drawn the other time. Chelsea have won five of their last six games at Villa Park. So it’s swings and roundabouts. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT and if necessary, we get additional time and penalties. It’s on!
