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Saturday’s late Premier League match features Aston Villa, the season’s surprise package, hosting Chelsea, one of the biggest disappointments, at Villa Park.
Aston Villa, aiming for a top-four finish, face Chelsea, who currently languish in mid-table, with a 19-point difference between them.
Can Aston Villa bolster their top-four aspirations, or will Chelsea spring a surprise upset?
Match Preview
Aston Villa rallied to a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in their last outing, with goals from Morgan Rogers, Moussa Diaby, and Leon Bailey.
Under Unai Emery’s management, Aston Villa has won six of their last ten Premier League matches, with two draws and two defeats.
The team has been formidable at Villa Park, winning 12 of their 17 Premier League home matches this season.
Moreover, Aston Villa has scored 43 league goals at home, averaging 2.5 goals per game. Will they add to Chelsea’s defensive woes?
On Tuesday, Chelsea suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat against Arsenal, conceding 27 shots at the Emirates Stadium.
This loss ended Chelsea’s eight-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, with four wins and four draws between mid-February and mid-April.
Chelsea’s performance has been inconsistent this season, particularly away from home, with five wins, four draws, and seven defeats in 16 away league matches.
Additionally, Chelsea has conceded 32 goals on their travels, averaging two goals conceded per away game.
Head-to-Head:
Aston Villa and Chelsea have recorded three wins and three defeats across their last six Premier League meetings.
Chelsea has also won their last three matches at Villa Park, triumphing in 2021 and 2022, followed by a 3-1 victory in the FA Cup in February.
Team News & Updates:
Aston Villa’s injury list includes Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, Alex Moreno, and Nicolo Zaniolo.
For Chelsea, Cole Palmer is doubtful due to illness, while Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Wesley Fofana are injured.
Prediction & Analysis:
With Aston Villa’s impressive home record juxtaposed with Chelsea’s erratic away form, the stage is set for an enthralling contest.
Expect goals aplenty as Aston Villa edges past Chelsea, likely scoring over 2.5 goals en route to victory.
However, both teams are anticipated to find the back of the net in what promises to be an action-packed encounter.
- Aston Villa 3-1 Chelsea
