Chelsea will face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as they aim to secure their second Premier League victory of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side has accumulated just five points from their first five league games and is determined to improve their form.
On the other hand, Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, will be looking to break into the top six with another win in England’s top flight.
Preview
After finishing 12th in the Premier League last season with their lowest-ever points total, Chelsea hired Mauricio Pochettino in hopes of a quick turnaround.
However, they have experienced a slow start once again. In their opening match against Liverpool, they secured a creditable draw thanks to Axel Disasi’s goal.
But a 3-1 defeat to West Ham United followed, and they struggled to find consistency.
Chelsea managed to secure their first win under Pochettino by defeating Luton Town 3-0 at home, but their momentum was halted with a loss to Nottingham Forest.
A goalless draw against Bournemouth added to their disappointments. With only five points from five matches, Chelsea needs to turn their form around quickly to avoid falling further behind.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, has had a more positive start to the season, collecting nine points so far.
They endured a 5-1 defeat to Newcastle on the opening day but rebounded impressively with wins over Everton and Burnley.
Aston Villa’s victory over Hibernian in the Europa Conference League playoffs showcased their attacking prowess.
Following a defeat to Liverpool, Aston Villa bounced back with a thrilling comeback win against Crystal Palace.
They now face Chelsea after their Europa Conference League group stage opener against Legia Warsaw.
Sitting in seventh place, Aston Villa aims to secure another three points and improve their league standing.
Team News:
Chelsea continues to deal with numerous injuries, which will limit Pochettino’s options.
Defenders Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella are all sidelined, along with midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia.
Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, and Christopher Nkunku are also unavailable. However, the return of some players is imminent.
Given the injury situation, Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi are expected to partner in defense, while Levi Colwill may start on the left side.
Lesley Ugochukwu should retain his place in midfield alongside Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez.
Up front, Cole Palmer is the only fit and senior attacker to challenge Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson, and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Aston Villa is also dealing with a few injuries, including Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings, and others.
Ollie Watkins is likely to lead the team’s attack, supported by John McGinn, Moussa Diaby, and either Leon Bailey or Nicolo Zaniolo.
Predicted Lineups:
Chelsea:
Sanchez;
Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill;
Gallagher, Fernandez, Ugochukwu;
Sterling, Jackson, Mudryk
Aston Villa:
Martinez;
Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne;
Kamara, Luiz;
Diaby, McGinn, Zaniolo;
Watkins
Prediction:
Considering Chelsea’s injury concerns, their adjustment phase under a new manager, and their difficult start to the season, a draw seems likely in this matchup.
We predict a 1-1 scoreline at Stamford Bridge.
