Gerrard could now give 20-year-old ‘massive talent’ a chance against Chelsea today – opinion

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Aston Villa face one of their toughest challenges of the season today when they play Chelsea.

Steven Gerrard’s side host Chelsea off the back of a four-game unbeaten run.

Although results haven’t been disastrous, Villa fans would have been expecting more from their last two matches.

Draws against ten-man Leeds and bottom of the table Nottingham Forest are certainly points dropped.

Gerrard was bemoaning his team’s ability to create clear-cut chances on Monday.

The former Rangers manager brought on Danny Ings and Leander Dendoncker to improve their chances of scoring.

However, after the game he was still frustrated with his side’s performance in front of goal.

“All week we have spoken to the players about getting more bodies into the box and trying to give more quality in the final third,” Gerrard said.

“We threw all of our attacking players on to change our system and score goals. We gave Danny Ings more game time and got Cameron Archer out there.

“We finished with a really bold team out there to find that bit of quality and magic but there wasn’t enough of it tonight.”

Gerrard mentioned bringing on Archer, and today might be the right opportunity to give him a chance.

Gerrard could give Archer a chance today

The 20-year-old forward has hardly featured for Gerrard this season.

Archer has played just 21 minutes in the Premier League, spread over three brief appearances.

The youngster picked up a knock in the week, but Gerrard has confirmed he’s available to play today.

Archer had the opportunity to join Championship side West Brom in the summer on loan, but the move didn’t happen.

Ollie Watkins has struggled in front of goal this season, and has only scored once in the league from 15 shots.

Gerrard hasn’t only started Ings on three occasions, and he too has only scored once.

Archer was in fine form for Preston in the Championship last season, scoring seven goals from 20 appearances.

He proved his ability in front of goal last season in the Carabao Cup, and Archer needs to be given a chance soon to see if he’s ready for the Premier League.

Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece believes he could leave the club on loan in January.

Gerrard has previously described him as a ‘massive talent’, but he’s yet to properly utilise him this season.

Today could be Archer’s chance to finally start a Premier League match if Gerrard wants to shake up his front line.