Premier League preview: Chelsea v Aston Villa

After three consecutive draws, Chelsea take on Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday desperate to get back to winning ways.

Following a 3-0 win over Newcastle and a 2-1 triumph against Manchester City, Chelsea are now 11 points adrift of the leading Manchester clubs after consecutive 1-1 draws against Wigan Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham.

Andre Villas-Boas started struggling Fernando Torres for the first time in two months against Fulham on Monday, hoping to boost the striker’s confidence – but the Spanish international’s goal drought stretched to nine games.

Torres had a volley on target and played a part in Juan Mata’s goal, but Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge – who has scored nine league goals so far this season – will likely start against Villa.

John Terry was resolute against Fulham despite being under pressure over his racial abuse charge, and he will be looking to inspire his team to a win.

Chelsea have not been able to break down opponents with enough penetration from midfield and Frank Lampard looks likely to be sacrificed again against Villa after being substituted for Florent Malouda against Fulham.

Following two consecutive losses against Liverpool and Arsenal, 12th-placed Villa were held to a goalless draw against Stoke City on Monday.

Alex McLeish’s side have won just once in their past seven league matches, a 2-1 away victory against Bolton Wanderers on December 10.

Emile Heskey aggravated an Achilles problem at Stoke and will miss out against Chelsea, but McLeish is hopeful striker Darren Bent will be able to return after suffering a training setback as he recovers from a thigh injury.

Defender James Collins is doubtful as well after also tweaking his Achilles against Stoke.

Gabriel Agbonlahor is the lynchpin of Villa’s attack with five league goals and assists so far this season, and he will spearhead their frontline against Chelsea.

Nathan Delfouneso came on for Heskey against Stoke and might take the field again if Bent does not recover.

American goalkeeper Brad Guzan will continue in goal in Shay Given’s absence with McLeish counting on Richard Dunne to marshal the backline against Drogba and Sturridge.