Close observers of the dressing room state that togetherness has been fostered after a fractured window. Long-standing players remain very tight-knit — McGinn, Cash, Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa, for instance, are close and form the spine of the team. They also drive the levels in the dressing room.

The Premier League have confirmed that Stuart Attwell will take charge of the meeting between Chelsea and Aston Villa. Stuart Attwell will be supported by Constantine Hatzidakis and Adam Nunn on the touchline.