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Surprise title hopefuls Aston Villa visit Chelsea in a big game for both clubs at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea managed just one win in five Premier League matches before Christmas but victory against in-form Villa would send a strong message about their ambitions.
Unai Emery’s Villa have emerged as unlikely title challengers after seven straight Premier League wins and they started the weekend just three points off leaders Arsenal. Cheslea are seven points behind them in fourth place and Enzo Maresca’s side face a key run of games in the race to finish to finish in the top four and secure Champions League qualification.
Chelsea are boosted by the return to fitness of Estevao, Maresca says Cole Palmer is now ready to play 90 minutes after his injury issues this season. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge.
Early Aston Villa team news
As for Villa, former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is out until February, while centre-backs Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are sidelined.
There could be returns for Jadon Sancho - who was ineligible to face parent club Manchester United before Christmas - and fellow loanee Harvey Elliott after illness.
Early Chelsea team news
Estevao is set to return from injury this evening, having missing away games at Cardiff and Newcastle with a small muscular injury.
Liam Delap is also fit again after three weeks out with a shoulder problem.
Enzo Maresca has also confirmed that Cole Palmer is ready to play 90 minutes after being carefully managed through his four appearances since returning from the groin injury that kept him out for more than two months.
Enzo Fernandez was a substitute at Newcastle on December 20 and Maresca must decide whether to reintroduce him to his starting line-up or keep faith with captain Reece James as Moises Caicedo’s midfild partner.
Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all remain absent with longer-term injuries.
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 5pm ahead of the 5.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.25pm.
Good afternoon and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Chelsea have been hunted down and overtaken by a Villa side who have won 10 in a row, and now built up a sizeable gap between themselves in third, and the Blues in fourth.
We have Dom Smith at the Bridge, ahead of a 5.30pm kick-off. Stick with us.