Chelsea FC face Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon as the Premier League returns after the international break. Does either side care about this fixture?
While most of the footballing world is celebrating the return of domestic action, two sets of fans may not be particularly excited. Unfortunately, they are squaring off with each other in a clash that could carry less meaning than Ray Hudson’s commentary. Yep, it’s Aston Villa v Chelsea FC.
The Blues’ season was all but ended just before the break, as they were eliminated from the Champions League and FA Cup in a matter of days. With a top four finish almost impossible and a Europa League spot unlikely, Chelsea simply have nothing to play for.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, have just parted ways with their manager, Remi Garde. While they still have a mathematical chance of surviving, they require a miracle. They are usually a lifeless side, but they will likely be exceedingly dead after this week’s events.
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Key Details
Aston Villa v Chelsea FC, 2nd April 2016
Venue: Villa Park
Time: 12:45 BST, 07:45 ET
TV: BT Sports 1 (UK), NBCSN (US), check your country’s local listings here
Team News
Guus Hiddink confirmed that Eden Hazard is still injured and will in all likelihood not feature tomorrow. The winger was left out of the Belgium national squad in order to deal with his niggles but two weeks has not been sufficient time to fully recover.
Pedro will probably take his spot in the starting line-up but Kenedy may be in with a shout. Otherwise, Bertrand Traore could be slotted on the wing dependent on Hiddink’s choice of striker.
Diego Costa is serving his suspension from the red card that he picked up against Everton last month. Traore should get the nod given his recent form, but Loic Remy may be employed instead. Furthermore, there are also rumbles that Alexandre Pato could be seen in a blue shirt for the first time since his arrival.
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The most significant absence is that of Gabby Agbonlahor, who has been suspended by the club while an investigation into alleged antics on holiday is undertaken.
Otherwise, Jack Grealish and Adama Traore will face a late assessment on their match-fitness as they close in on a full recovery from respective injuries.
In case you didn’t know, Eric Black is the man who has taken the reins following Garde’s dismissal. The first-team coach will be on the bench this weekend.
Stats
The first game between the sides saw Chelsea earn a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Villa have only won one game in their last eight against the Blues and two in the last 13.
In true bottom of the table form, Villa have scored the fewest goals in the Premier League (22) and conceded the most (58).
Chelsea are still undefeated in league play since Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, but they have drawn eight out of the 14 fixtures played. A victory on Saturday will only see them jump one place (to 9th) at the most. However, they could fall as low as 13th should results not go their way.
Aston Villa are 20th and will remain 20th for the foreseeable future.
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Prediction
Two clubs with little to play for, playing for little. 1-1 and not a single memory. When’s the Leicester game on?