Prediction: Aston Villa vs Chelsea

Verdict: Aston Villa draw no bet

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Hoping to take another giant step towards a famous Champions League ticket, Aston Villa will welcome Chelsea to the Midlands on Saturday night.

Aston Villa

Starting with the hosts, only continuing on what has been a stunning purple patch this season, Aston Villa find themselves sat in the driving seat to punch a famous Champions League ticket this season. With the mood in Unai Emery’s camp at a red-hot high, the one-time Arsenal boss will be looking to make another heavyweight statement here. Extending on their Europa Conference League adventure earlier in the month as they edged past French outfit Lille, Villa have now won all of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Last seen mounting a comeback in the Midlands as they secured a 3-1 romp against Bournemouth, Emery’s men have certainly gained a real reputation for their clinical performances. Springing a major upset on April 14th as they secured a 2-0 victory away at title contenders Arsenal, Saturday’s hosts will be looking to take a giant step towards a top-four finish.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Aston Villa will once again be without the likes of Emi Buendia, Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings. Likewise, not making a single appearance since the start of March through a foot issue, 22-year-old Jacob Ramsey will not be part of Emery’s squad this weekend.

However, in what looks set to be a major boost for Villa on Saturday night, they will welcome back midfield talisman Douglas Luiz here. Continuing on what has been a record-breaking flurry this season and already notching 19 Premier League goals, Ollie Watkins will spearhead Emery’s attack.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, while Chelsea might have turned somewhat of a corner on either side of March’s international break, Mauricio Pochettino’s men have come crashing back down to earth over the past week. Putting in a nightmare performance on Tuesday night as they slumped to an infamous 5-0 drumming at the hands of London rivals Arsenal, the former Tottenham boss has found mounting scrutiny over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge. Suffering FA Cup final heartbreak at Wembley last weekend as they suffered a 1-0 loss against Manchester City, Chelsea have continued to gain a reputation for their glaring struggles outside of west London. In fact, the former Premier League champions have registered just a trio of wins from any of their previous 14 consecutive showdowns away from Stamford Bridge – a run that stems all the way back to November 6th.

Team News

After missing out away at the Emirates earlier in the week, Chelsea remain hopeful that England international Cole Palmer will be able to make a full return here. However, the Blues will travel to the Midlands without the likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Robert Sanchez and influential skipper Reece James on Saturday night.

Not making a single Premier League start since the start of March, former Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling could be handed a full recall. Ex-Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka will be hoping to feature on his return to the Midlands this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Aston Villa and Chelsea last met back on February 7th, the Blues picked up a 3-1 victory in the Midlands while in FA Cup action.
• However, Villa have clinched back-to-back Premier League victories against Saturday’s guests.
• Emery’s men have won all of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
• Chelsea have recorded just a trio of wins from any of their previous 14 appearances away from Stamford Bridge.
• Aston Villa have scored 14 goals in just their previous six showdowns on home soil.

Conclusion

Sat firmly leading the chase to claim a famous Champions League finish this season, Aston Villa should be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Winning back-to-back Premier League showdowns against Chelsea, Emery’s side will be looking to cash in on a Blues squad that have continued to gain a reputation for their issues on the road. With Saturday’s guests winning just a trio of their previous 14 consecutive appearances outside of west London, a home draw no bet can be found at appealing odds here.

Verdict: Aston Villa draw no bet

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Luckster