Chelsea is expected to win this match. Can they?
Image credit: Chelsea Stats
With both teams chasing a top-four finish, this matchup is set to be a thrilling battle.
Villa’s Home Strength vs. Chelsea’s Inconsistency
Unai Emery’s Villa side has struggled for wins lately, drawing four of their last five league games, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
Despite their inconsistent form, Villa remains within touching distance of the Champions League spots, just five points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
They also boast an impressive home record, losing just once in their last 22 league matches at Villa Park.
Chelsea, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, winning only three of their last ten matches across all competitions.
Their recent struggles include a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, where they failed to register a single shot on target.
However, history favors the Blues—Chelsea has won 13 Premier League away games at Villa Park, their third-highest tally at an opponent’s ground.
Team News & Key Players
Villa faces defensive concerns with injuries to Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, and Boubacar Kamara, while Leon Bailey and Ezri Konsa remain doubtful.
Enjoy all the action from the Bridge as we beat Aston Villa! ✊ pic.twitter.com/8g4nNbwEvk
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 1, 2024
Chelsea will be without several key players, including Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended).
Jadon Sancho is expected to start in attack alongside Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa: Martinez; Garcia, Bogarde, Mings, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Rogers, Asensio, Rashford; Watkins.
Chelsea: Jorgensen; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku.
Prediction
With Chelsea struggling away from home and Villa strong at Villa Park, this could be a closely contested encounter. However, given Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, Villa might just edge it.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea