“The best move Chelsea can make right now is to give him a chance to shine instead of sticking with Fernandez. It could completely transform the team’s attack!” – Fans are calling for Pochettino to unleash a Chelsea star hailed as “elite” to dominate Morgan Rogers in their upcoming clash.

Chelsea have enjoyed a promising start under Enzo Maresca, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League. A victory on Sunday against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge could see them climb as high as second place.

Maresca’s side has shown consistency with six wins, four draws, and only two losses so far, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches. Their most recent defeat came in a close 2-1 encounter against Liverpool.

Recent Form and Fernandez’s Role

In their last Premier League outing, Chelsea secured a 2-1 away victory over Leicester City, with Enzo Fernandez delivering a standout performance. Despite his struggles earlier this season, Fernandez’s contributions, including a goal and an assist in that match, proved crucial for the Blues.

Fernandez’s Chelsea Career Stats

Once the costliest British transfer, Fernandez’s £106.8m price tag has led to heightened scrutiny. While the Argentine World Cup winner has displayed moments of brilliance, questions remain about his consistency.

• Games Played for Chelsea: 78
• Goals: 8
• Assists: 11

In the 2024/25 season, Fernandez has featured 16 times across all competitions, contributing one goal and six assists. However, his Premier League involvement has been limited, with only 701 minutes played and one start in the last five matches.

Selection Dilemma Against Villa

Fernandez started against Leicester alongside Moises Caicedo, benefiting from the Foxes’ defensive approach. However, facing an expansive Aston Villa side under Unai Emery poses a different challenge. This raises the possibility of Romeo Lavia replacing Fernandez in the starting XI.

Lavia’s Impact This Season

Lavia has been a standout performer for Chelsea this term, forming a solid partnership with Caicedo in midfield. The 20-year-old has overcome injury struggles from last season to become a key figure, featuring seven times in the Premier League and contributing an assist in a vital win over Newcastle United.

Defensive Attributes

Lavia’s defensive prowess is evident in his stats:

• Tackles per 90: 2.9
• Duels Won per 90: 6
• Ball Recoveries per 90: 4.2

Lavia’s athleticism and ability to disrupt opponents make him an ideal candidate to counter Villa’s Morgan Rogers. The Villans’ attacking midfielder, known for his dribbling ability, has been a revelation this season. However, Lavia’s defensive skillset positions him well to neutralize this threat and maintain Chelsea’s structure in midfield.

Tactical Considerations

With Liverpool leading the league, Maresca will aim to field a balanced team capable of staying in contention at the top. Selecting Lavia over Fernandez could ensure defensive stability while still providing opportunities for offensive transitions. As Chelsea face a busy schedule, these rotation decisions will be crucial in their pursuit of success.