Harry Redknapp hits out at ‘shambolic’ scenes ahead of Aston Villa v Chelsea
Aston Villa face Chelsea on Saturday hoping to revive their hopes of Champions League football next season.
The Villans are on a horrific run of form, having failed to win in their last six Premier League matches but did secure a draw with league leaders Liverpool on Wednesday (19 February).
Unai Emery‘s side could find themselves within two points of the top four with victory against the Stamford Bridge outfit if results go in their favour this weekend.
Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca’s side have won just two of their last six in all competitions, with two successive embarrassing defeats to Brighton in the FA Cup and the league their most recent results.
Chelsea slammed ahead of Aston Villa clash
Harry Redknapp has called out Chelsea’s defending and believes that the Villans will secure a 3-2 victory.
Making his prediction for Bet Victor (21 February), he said: “This might just be the game that delivers the most drama and entertainment. Aston Villa create and score plenty, but they’ve been a little shaky at the back of late.”
“Chelsea are a similar story – some of the defending against Brighton was shambolic at times. Another defeat here would really put some pressure on Enzo Maresca’s side and throw a spanner in their hopes of finishing in the top four.”
“This honestly could be anything; I just think we’re going to see goals. I think Villa win it though, they could do with a big win in the league.”
Aston Villa can secure Champions League football
Despite a miserable start to the new year, Emery’s side can still secure a second successive Champions League berth but they may need some help in the next few weeks.
They need to start by beating the Blues which could put them just two points away from a spot in the top-four.
The Villans should expect to beat Maresca’s side as they have the better firepower with Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins shining against Liverpool.
Morgan Rogers is also expected to feature and the former West Brom man has notched 11 goals and six assists in 35 appearances in a standout campaign.
The Blues’ defence has conceded 12 goals in their last six matches in all competitions and the B6 outfit can compound their misery with the attacking options that they possess.
| Premier League (4th-9th) | Played | GD | Points |
| Manchester City | 25 | +17 | 44 |
| Bournemouth | 25 | +15 | 43 |
| Chelsea | 25 | +13 | 43 |
| Newcastle | 25 | +9 | 41 |
| Fulham | 25 | +5 | 39 |
| Aston Villa | 26 | -3 | 39 |
If they do, they will be following the results of Manchester City, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Fulham, and Saturday’s opposition very closely from now until the end of the season in the hopes of overhauling them.
Failure to secure victory would put their chances of securing a spot in Europe’s premier competition in tatters unless they won the competition this season, so victory is essential to keep their hopes alive.