This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Douglas Luiz getting the better of Mason Mount could be key to Aston Villa's chances of beating Chelsea on Wednesday evening.

On the chalkboard

Villa will be looking to worsen Chelsea's struggles with Frank Lampard's side having failed to win in either of their last three games in all competitions.

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However, this is still a side who currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, so Villa definitely have a challenge on their hands.

Luiz, who is rated at £9m on Transfermarkt, could be a vital player in ensuring that Villa are able to get something from the game, as he comes into direct competition with Mason Mount, who has been an integral player for the Blues this season.

An important contest

The Brazilian is not necessarily the most defensive of midfielders, as can be indicated by his stats below.

It is especially interesting to see that Mount has made more tackles per game and the same number of interceptions than the 21-year-old.

The way Luiz interprets his role at the base of Villa's midfield three could make this a different type of challenge for Mount.

Villa's number 6 can be effective on the ball, as indicated by his pass success rate of 86.5%, and due to the fact that he has scored two superb goals.

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He may not be able to impact Mount's game through his own play, but Luiz will definitely have to pay close attention to the England international.

In his maiden campaign as part of the Chelsea first-team, Mount has netted four goals and claimed one assist in his 14 appearances, while he also averages 1.8 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game.

If Luiz is able to nullify his threat, as well as continue to make an impact with the ball at his feet, then Villa could have a very good chance of getting something from Chelsea.

In other news, starting on Wednesday night would be a massive boost for one specific Villa man.