Chelsea v Aston Villa preview: Team news, head-to-head, betting odds, prediction
Aston Villa return to Premier League action in the hope of securing a first win in seven games as they travel to face Chelsea on Sunday.
The Villans are coming off the back of a controversial draw in the Champions League against Juventus as Morgan Rogers’ late strike was ruled out.
Unai Emery is now preparing his side for a trip to Stamford Bridge on 1 December after failing to win an away clash since mid-October.
Preview
There is no doubt that Villa are in a rough patch of form but in the last two games, the performances have improved despite picking up back-to-back draws.
A midweek clash against the Old Lady in the Champions League so nearly secured a much-needed win, but a so-called foul on Michele Di Gregorio meant the game finished on level terms.
Supporters came away from the European clash in better spirits which may serve Emery’s side well ahead of a trip to West London.
The opposition will be no pushovers as Enzo Maresca has gotten a tune out of his men in recent weeks, which has seen them rise to third in the Premier League.
Form Guide (Premier League)
Chelsea: DLWDDW
Aston Villa: DWDLLD
Head-to-head (past five meetings, all comps)
Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea (27 April, 2024)
Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea (7 February, 2024)
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa (26 January, 2024)
Chelsea 0-1 Aston Villa (24 September, 2023)
Chelsea 0-2 Aston Villa (1 April, 2023)
Team News
The Villans were without Ezri Konsa, Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana against Juventus and that looks to be the case once again.
This represents a blow to Emery but in the Champions League, his side were able to cope well without the injured trio.
Maresca has more concerns to deal with as Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto look likely to be joining Reece James on the sidelines after the English right-back confirmed yet another injury concern.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez, Colwill, Fofana, Badiashile, Cucarella, Caicedo, Lavia, Palmer, Madueke, Felix, Jackson
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Bailey, Barkley, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Duran
Betting Odds
(All odds courtesy of Betfair)
Chelsea: 8/13
Draw: 23/10
Aston Villa: 3/1
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Aston Villa
Villa did look much improved against Juve and there are positives to take from that clash into the upcoming trip to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have plenty of quality, especially going forward and that will keep the likes of Carlos, Torres and Cash on their toes at the back.
With that being said, Maresca’s side have shown some defensive frailties which Villa may look to exploit.
A draw could prove to be a fair result, although this clash could easily go either way depending on the defensive showings from both sides.
In other Aston Villa news, Nadiem Amiri is being eyed as a new £8m transfer development has been shared.
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