Unai Emery clapping looking towards Mikel Arteta with a smashed Chelsea badge in between them
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Mon 2 March 2026 10:10, UK Updated Mon 2 March 2026 11:06, UK
Aston Villa are in desperate need of positivity ahead of their B6 clash with Chelsea.
The Villans fell to a 2-0 defeat against Wolves last time out, sparking an angry reaction from supporters on social media.
Fans were right to share their views after a stinking performance at Molineux, but that negativity needs to end somewhere.
Unai Emery’s side are now looking ahead to a Villa Park meeting with Chelsea that will see both sides try to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The atmosphere in the Midlands may be growing increasingly toxic, but Villa can certainly learn from Mikel Arteta to secure three points against Liam Rosenior’s side.
Arsenal benefitted from route one football vs Chelsea
It may seem counterproductive, but the Villans may find life easier against the Blues if they allow the away side to keep hold of the ball.
Arsenal have spent this season breaking down teams with the ball at their feet, but on Sunday, allowed their London rivals to play their own game.
MORE VILLA STORIES
Chelsea completed 148 more passes than the Gunners at the Emirates, with a majority of 288 coming inside their own half.
That didn’t translate to chance creation as the North London outfit had 12 shots and obviously scored two goals to win the game.
Aston Villa Arsenal vs Chelsea stats
Villa haven’t been known to play that sort of football under Emery, but in such an important game can’t just go gun ho.
Learning from his former side could prove to be hugely beneficial and could impact how the Spaniard lines up his side in B6.
How Aston Villa should line up vs Chelsea
The Villa players and management want a better atmosphere, and they will only get their wish if they put in a top-level performance.
The Emirates still managed to be loud as the Gunners secured a win over Chelsea, so Emery has to hope for the same in the Midlands on Wednesday.
Villa Park will immediately be subdued if the wrong starting XI is selected, especially after recent poor reviews for Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey.
The likes of Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho and Ross Barkley will be keen to start against their former side, and fans have been calling for them to do so recently.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Chelsea
The winter signing from Besiktas could prove to be the difference maker if a route one approach is utilised, as will Morgan Rogers in behind him.
There are reasons for the Villa Park faithful to be optimistic, even if that feels somewhat impossible after defeat at Wolves.
For more in-depth analysis on Villa, visit Football Insider.