Prediction: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 2/7
Bookmaker: 888sport
The international break has come to an end and in its place we have the return of the Premier League – just a matter of weeks after the new campaign got underway. The top flight of English football throws out surprises every single matchday and this weekend, Aston Villa fans will be hoping for another silver lining when they make the trip to the capital in order to take on Chelsea – a side many are tipping to be legitimate title contenders this season.
Chelsea
The European champions are beginning to emerge as one of the frontrunners in what we expect to be a pretty crazy Premier League title race between now and May. Thomas Tuchel has built a squad capable of beating just about any team in world football and while some still want another defensive reinforcement to come through the door in January, we’d say they’re pretty well set for a big few months leading into the resumption of the transfer window.
Team News
Reece James is set to miss out here through suspension after his red card against Liverpool with Thiago Silva being banned from playing due to a decision made by the Brazilian FA. Elsewhere, Chelsea have concerns about the fitness of star players Kante and Lukaku with both undergoing testing before kick-off.
Aston Villa
Selling Jack Grealish was always going to serve as a polarising decision from Aston Villa’s perspective, but out of darkness cometh light with the Midlanders focusing their attention on the future as opposed to the past. Dean Smith’s men are well-positioned to make a real run for the top half and perhaps even higher, but based on what they’ve produced across their first few games, team cohesion is an area they need to work on.
Team News
Martinez and Buendia are both out due to quarantine rules, joining a parade of other players who are either on the shelf or heading that way. Trezeguet and Davis are injured, Ramsey and Sanson are doubts and Konsa, Bailey and Traore all have lingering fitness problems.
Factors to Consider
- In their last meeting back in December, Chelsea and Aston Villa drew 1-1.
- Chelsea have won two and drawn two of their first four games this season.
- Aston Villa have won two, drawn one and lost one of their first four games this season.
- Chelsea have scored seven goals and conceded two this season.
- Aston Villa have scored 11 goals and conceded four this season.
Conclusion
While the Blues are busy looking like legitimate title contenders, Villa seem to be struggling with the weight of the expectations put on their shoulders this season. We expect that trend to carry over into this game at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea, after some early adversity, getting into the kind of rhythm that’ll be pretty difficult to overcome. They’ll take their time, break Villa down and stay tight at the back, leading to a fairly comfortable 2-0 win for the hosts.
Prediction: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 2/7
Bookmaker: 888sport
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