Chelsea welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with both sides seeking redemption after mixed results in Europe.
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While Chelsea are riding a wave of momentum from recent successes, Aston Villa are desperate to end a worrying winless streak.
Match Preview
Chelsea
The Blues enter this clash with growing confidence, having extended their unbeaten November run with a 2-0 Conference League victory over Heidenheim on Thursday.
Goals from Christopher Nkunku and Mykhaylo Mudryk sealed a flawless group-stage campaign, but Chelsea’s domestic home form remains a glaring weakness.
With just nine of their 22 Premier League points earned at Stamford Bridge, Enzo Maresca’s side has struggled to turn their iconic stadium into a fortress.
Yet, recent wins over Leicester and Heidenheim suggest an upward trajectory. Nicolas Jackson, with seven Premier League goals this season, remains a vital figure, sharing the scoring spotlight with Cole Palmer.
Aston Villa
Villa, on the other hand, are in turmoil. Unai Emery’s men haven’t tasted victory in seven matches across all competitions, and their latest disappointment came in a 0-0 Champions League draw against Juventus.
Frustration boiled over as a late goal by Morgan Rogers was controversially disallowed.
Domestically, Villa’s November saw them pick up just one point from three Premier League games, including a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Tottenham.
Although they salvaged a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace last weekend, defensive frailties and inconsistent form are holding them back.
However, Villa’s recent history at Stamford Bridge is a silver lining; they’re unbeaten in their last three visits, including two wins.
Team News
Chelsea
Key players Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia will return to the squad after being rested midweek.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are expected to anchor the midfield, while Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Predicted Lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa is likely to reclaim his starting spot in defense, while Jhon Duran is pushing for a rare start up front. Villa will hope Ollie Watkins can rediscover his scoring touch to end their slump.
Predicted Lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Key Matchups
- Nicolas Jackson vs. Aston Villa Defense
Jackson’s clinical finishing and movement will test Villa’s defensive resolve, particularly against a backline that has looked shaky in recent weeks. - Ollie Watkins vs. Chelsea’s Backline
Watkins’ physicality and goal-scoring instincts could cause problems for Chelsea’s relatively young defense.
Prediction
Chelsea’s recent resurgence contrasts sharply with Villa’s struggles. While the visitors have a good record at Stamford Bridge, their poor form and defensive vulnerabilities make them unlikely to take points this time.
Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Aston Villa
