Chelsea host Aston Villa in the Premier League late kick-off fixture on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.The Blues showed character to rescue a 2-2 draw at Newcastle last Saturday, while the Villans claime...
Chelsea host Aston Villa in the Premier League late kick-off fixture on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues showed character to rescue a 2-2 draw at Newcastle last Saturday, while the Villans claimed a 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
Match preview
Chelsea have struggled for consistency this season and are 10 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. A top-four finish is now their most realistic target.
The Blues are currently fourth in the standings but could slip out of that position without a victory in this clash.
Despite their inconsistency, Chelsea have fared well against the best teams in the division, and this was evident again in their second-half performance at Newcastle.
However, they cannot afford to start the game slowly this time, given the impressive form of Villa.
The Villans are the Premier League form team, having won their last seven games to sit just three points behind Arsenal.
This fixture represents another test of their title credentials. They have beaten United and Arsenal at home already this season, but lost at Liverpool.
A victory for the visitors will instil more confidence in them they they can challenge for the title.
Head-to-head
Chelsea have faced Villa 60 times in the Premier League era, winning 30, losing 16 and drawing 14. However, they have lost two of their last three home league games against them.
Team news
Chelsea
Manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Estevao and Liam Delap have returned to full fitness, while Cole Palmer is now ‘ready to play 90 minutes’.
Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo remain sidelined, but it remains to be seen whether Jamie Gittens will be available.
Aston Villa
Pau Torres, Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings are injured, while Evann Guessand is unavailable due to AFCON.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelof, Ian Maatsen, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins
Prediction
Chelsea and Villa have prolific attacks, but both have defensive frailties. So, we predict a 2-2 draw.
Stats from transfermarkt.com
Category: General Sports
