“Will end us”, “Coach just loves rage baiting the fans” - Chelsea fans furious with 24-year-old being part of line-up vs Aston Villa

Chelsea fans are unhappy with Benoit Badiashile's inclusion in the starting XI for their Premier League match against Aston Villa. The two teams are set to face off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 27.

Manager Enzo Maresca made two changes to his side that started at St. James’ Park last weekend. Enzo returns to the squad to partner with Moises Caicedo in midfield, a move that saw Reece James move back to defense and replace Malo Gutso.

Badiashile has been handed his third Premier League start of the campaign, with Wesley Fofana dropping to the bench. The Frenchman is infamous for his error-prone behavior in goal, and Maresca’s decision to include him in the line-up for Villa clash didn’t sit well with many Chelsea supporters.

One wrote:

“Where's Fofana.... Definitely no clean sheet today. This coach just loves rage baiting the fans.”

Another tweeted:

“Why is Badiashile starting? Is Fofana injured? 🤕 these chopping and changing at the back will end us 🤧🤧🤧”

A third queried:

“What’s Badiashile doing here? 😭😭” “Why did he bench Fofana for Badiashile,” another echoed the same sentiments.

One lashed out:

“Maresca must be on kolos. What's Badiashile doing in this line up?”

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admits ‘tough game’ ahead of Aston Villa clash

Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea will have to grind out a result against Aston Villa when both teams meet on Saturday. Villa are riding high on form, winning each of their last ten matches across all competitions. Ahead of the clash, Unai Emery’s side sit third while Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League table.

Speaking ahead of the match, Maresca admitted Villa's current strong form but insisted his side would be pushing for all three points. He told reporters:

“It will be a very tough game for us and we will have to be at our best because Aston Villa are playing very well. They have a clear way of playing and they are very organised both on and off the ball. “They are full of confidence in this moment, but we are at home and we will be trying to get the three points as we always do. We will work hard and continue to grow.”

A win for Chelsea will see them reclaim the fourth position from Liverpool, who leapfrogged them after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 earlier in the day.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide