Chelsea welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, knowing a win could see them climb into second place in the Premier League.
Both teams were in European action during the week with Aston Villa hosting Juventus and Chelsea travelling to FC Heidenheim.
The Blues defeated the German outfit 2-0, while Aston Villa had to settle for a 0-0 draw after Morgan Rogers’ stoppage-time effort was controversially ruled out by VAR.
Chelsea captain Reece James is set to face another lengthy spell on the sidelines following the reoccurrence of a hamstring issue. However, Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto could return to the squad after featuring in training this week.
Back to #PL action. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/66XbWT2VJe
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 30, 2024
Aston Villa are desperately searching for a win after failing to find one in their last seven matches in all competitions. Jacob Ramsey will miss out with a hamstring injury but the visitors could see their midfield options bolstered with Amadou Onana nearing full fitness.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa – Match preview and team news
Form
Chelsea: DWDWW
Enzo Maresca’s side extended their perfect record in the Europa Conference League on Thursday with a comfortable win in Germany.
Christopher Nkunku scored his fifth goal in the competition – which sees him top the scoring charts – and Mykhailo Mudryk netted a stunner to ensure Chelsea remained top of the table with maximum points from four games.
The Blues are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, having also defeated Leicester City last weekend in the league.
However, Chelsea are underperforming at Stamford Bridge this campaign with only two wins from six games, a statistic Maresca and his players will be looking to address this weekend.
Aston Villa: LLLDD
Aston Villa are yearning for that winning feeling having not tasted victory in the league since the middle of October.
A hard-fought display saw them earn a point at home to Italian giants Juventus. However, Villa will feel aggrieved after Morgan Rogers’ goal was disallowed due to minimal contact on goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio by Diego Carlos in the build-up.
In recent weeks, the Villans have fallen to losses at Tottenham and Liverpool, whilst also dropping points at home to Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Unai Emery will be demanding his players pose more of an attacking threat after scoring just three times in their last five matches.
Last Meeting: Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea, Premier League, 27th April 2024.
Chelsea produced a comeback to salvage a point at Villa Park the last time the two sides came to blows.
The Blues had embarked on a nightmare start after Marc Cucurella diverted John McGinn’s effort into his own net inside the opening five minutes. Nicolas Jackson missed a gilt-edged opportunity to equalise as his header from six yards out struck the base of the post.
Just before the interval, Villa doubled the deficit against the run of play as Morgan Rogers disguised his effort and drilled it past Djordje Petrovic at the near post.
However, Chelsea gained foothold back into a game moments after the hour mark. Conor Gallagher was tripped inside the penalty box, but the loose ball fell to Noni Madueke who delicately slotted it past Emiliano Martinez. Gallagher then restored parity with 10 minutes to play with a curling effort that arrowed into Martinez’s top corner.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side thought they had completed the comeback in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Axel Disasi headed in from close range. Villa were given a reprieve after an on-field review was adjudged Benoit Badiashile had committed a foul in the build-up.
It ended all square at Villa Park with Chelsea failing to capitalise on a tepid performance from the hosts.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn, Watkins.
Who is the referee?
Stuart Attwell will be the match official. He will be assisted by Con Hatzidakis and Simon Long while Bobby Madley will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Michael Salisbury and he will be assisted by Derek Eaton.
What channel will Chelsea vs Aston Villa be on?
Chelsea vs Aston Villa will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go UK and Sky Sports Ultra.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at Stamford Bridge will be at 13:30 GMT on Sunday 1st December 2024.
Odds
Chelsea – 7/10
Draw – 31/10
Aston Villa – 7/2
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