Predicted XIs
Chelsea (3-4-3): Mendy, Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Saul, Chilwell; Ziyech, Werner, Mount
Aston Villa (4-3-3): Steer, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Young; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Bailey, Ings, El Ghazi
Chelsea form
Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea (Preseason friendly)
Chelsea (6) 1-1 (5) Villarreal (UEFA Super Cup)
Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Aston Villa form
Aston Villa 3-1 Salernitana (Preseason friendly)
Watford 3-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
Barrow 0-6 Aston Villa (Carabao Cup)
Aston Villa 1-1 Brentford (Premier League)
Prediction
Form and injuries seldom have this much impact on a single match in the Premier League. Aston Villa’s additions looked fantastic on paper, but a complete overhaul of the front line needs time to mesh, as the Blues learned last season. The Claret and Blue has gotten off to a rough start to the domestic season. A trip to SW6 isn’t exactly the remedy for this sluggishness, especially against an in-form Chelsea side. Tuchel’s men have managed to navigate through the early part of the ’21/22 campaign relatively unscathed. That’s not too eye-opening when a quick glance tells you it’s been just four games. A deeper dive below the surface shows the unbeaten run includes games against Villarreal, Arsenal and Liverpool, which is no easy feat.
The Blues are also significantly deeper at every position than Aston Villa. Martinez is one of the best goalkeepers in the league, but neither of his back-ups strike fear into opponents. A scorching hot Timo Werner will absolutely feast on the poor soul in goal if he’s given the chances. Further, Buendia’s creativity is nothing to overlook. He enjoyed one of the Championship’s best ever seasons in terms of goal involvements last year and is already off the mark in the top flight. He’ll be missed.
Chelsea simply has too much firepower for Villa to get past in the early stages of the season. Factor in the fact the Blues are hungry for revenge after last season’s matchday 38 embarrassment and this is a no-brainer. Ings will score his inevitable sloppy goal to retain his title of “King of the S**t Goal”, but Tuchel’s men will pounce on every other opportunity. The suffocating style of play from the home side will prove too much in a convincing tune-up for the UCL.
Score prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa
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