Prediction: Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Prediction: Correct Score 1-1

Odds: 7/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their shock defeat to Arsenal on Monday evening as they host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Despite being talked up as potential title contenders, the Blues were downed at the Emirates Stadium, eventually falling to a 3-1 defeat, and they now come up against a Villa side who are flying high in their second season back in the Premier League.

Chelsea

With their shock defeat in North London, Frank Lampard’s men now sit outside of the European places and could come into their meeting with Aston Villa in eighth position. This can be considered quite a remarkable fall bearing in mind that Chelsea were leading the Premier League following their win against Leeds United at the beginning of December. In the five matches since that victory, they only have one victory in five matches in all competitions, including having lost three out of their last four Premier League games. One saving grace that they do have however is how tight it is at the top of the table. Should they earn victory against Villa on Monday, Chelsea could potentially rise as high as third and just four points behind current leaders Liverpool. They do have a great chance of doing that at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have only lost one league game on home soil all season, that solitary loss coming against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.

Team News

Considering the quick turnaround for this match, Lampard could well be tempted to make a few changes to his starting line-up. Olivier Giroud, Jorginho, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta could all be in contention, whilst Hakim Ziyech could make his return from a thigh injury.

Aston Villa

Regardless of their slight stumble following a thrilling start to the new season, Villa now seem to have rediscovered their best form. Dean Smith’s men have won three out of their last four league matches, even racking up consecutive 3-0 successes against West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace. That latter victory is even more impressive considering that they were down to ten men for the majority of the clash. The West-Midlanders also come into the game at Stamford Bridge having notched four consecutive Premier League clean sheets. They have not managed to keep five shutouts in a row in the top-flight since 1998. One particularly impressive aspect of the Villans’ eye-catching start to the campaign has been their ability to chalk-up wins on the road. Of their six away league games this season, they have won five, including against Leicester City, Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers. That should bode extremely well as they travel to Stamford Bridge.

Team News

The main absentee that Smith will have to take into account is Tyrone Mings, who will be suspended following his red card against Crystal Palace. He is likely to be replaced by Ezri Konsa. Long-term absentees Ross Barkley, Wesley and Trezeguet all remain out, too.

Key Facts To Consider

• Chelsea have a better all-time head-to-head record between the two sides (W64, D34, L57)
• Villa have lost on their last five trips to Stamford Bridge
• Chelsea won the last match between the two sides 2-1
• Aston Villa have won seven out of their eight away games in all competitions this season
• Villa have only won one out of five Premier League games in which Tyrone Mings has not featured since they were promoted

Conclusion

This game should be a fascinating affair between two of the most surprising teams in the Premier League this season, in both respects. Each side are capable of putting in a highly impressive showing on their day but they could also fall to defeat. Aston Villa have been very strong on the road in recent weeks, whilst their opponents Chelsea have been stuttering. Fans could expect a battling draw.

Prediction: Correct Score 1-1

Odds: 7/1

Bookmaker: Betfair