Chelsea welcome Aston Villa tomorrow at Stamford Bridge in what does truly feel like a six pointer fixture.
Win, and Chelsea could end up second by the end of play tomorrow, with Manchester City facing league leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea’s Momentum :
Chelsea enter this clash in high spirits after a 2-0 UEFA Conference League win over Heidenheim, maintaining their perfect record in the competition.
Enzo Maresca’s men are now unbeaten in their last five competitive matches (W3, D2), though their inconsistent home form in the Premier League is a concern.
Just nine of their 22 points have been secured at Stamford Bridge, the lowest home points ratio in the division ahead of the round.
A leaky defence has contributed to their struggles at home, with Chelsea failing to keep a clean sheet in their first six home league matches marking their longest wait for one at Stamford Bridge since the 1978/79 season.
Despite this, their attacking potential remains strong, and they’ll look to continue their resurgence.
Aston Villa’s recent struggles :
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have hit a rough patch, going winless in their last seven competitive outings (D3, L4).
In the Premier League, it’s no victories in their last four matches (D2, L2), and extending that streak to five would mark a first under Emery’s tenure.
Villa have shown signs of resilience, coming from behind to draw 2-2 against Crystal Palace last weekend and holding Juventus to a 0-0 stalemate midweek in the Champions League.
Additionally, they’ve enjoyed recent success at Stamford Bridge, going unbeaten in their last four competitive visits (W2, D2).
Key Battles :
Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson
The Senegalese striker has been a reliable source of goals, scoring the opening strike in five Premier League games this season—second only to Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood (six).
Jackson’s ability to make an early impact could be crucial in unlocking Villa’s defence.
Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins
Villa’s talisman has been a thorn in Chelsea’s side, scoring the decisive goal in his last two Premier League away appearances against the Blues.
Watkins will be eager to continue his strong record at Stamford Bridge.
Potential Lineups:
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Aston Villa: 4-2-3-1 – Martinez; Cash, Diego Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa
Where to Watch:
United Kingdom: Sky Sports
United States: Peacock
Canada: FuboTV Canada
India: Hot Star VIP, JioTV
Australia: Optus Sport.
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Conclusion:
Both teams are grappling with inconsistencies, but Chelsea’s recent form and Villa’s struggles to find victories could tilt the game in the Blues’ favor.
