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Chelsea at Aston Villa preview: How to watch on TV, live stream

By Akshat Mehrish

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Saul Niguez of Chelsea FC and Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Saul Niguez of Chelsea FC and Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s English defender Reece James celebrates scoring the winning penalty during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on September 22, 2021. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English defender Reece James celebrates scoring the winning penalty during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on September 22, 2021. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Predicted XIs

Chelsea (3-4-3): Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Lukaku, Pulisic

Aston Villa (4-3-2-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Young; Watkins

Chelsea Form

Zenit St Petersburg 3-3 Chelsea (Champions League)

Chelsea 3-2 Leeds United (Premier League)

Chelsea 1-1 Everton (Premier League)

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Chelsea (Premier League)

Brentford 0-2 Chelsea (EFL Cup)

Aston Villa Form

Crystal Palace 1-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester City (Premier League)

Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester City (Premier League)

Liverpool 1-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Norwich City 0-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Prediction

A month ago, this would’ve seemed like a walk in the park for Chelsea. Tuchel’s high-flying Blues were overpowering teams with ease and looked primed to take their championship chase to the very end of the season. However, as has been the case often in the past, a fixture-packed festive period has sent them spiraling downwards, looking up to see their rivals move past them and take control of the title race.

In stark contrast, the sun has just begun to shine on Aston Villa’s season. Out of the dark depths of the relegation zone, the Villains climbed and are now challenging for a place in the top half of the table. They have impressed in their wins, similar to how they have impressed in their losses, the latter coming against the current top two teams in the league. In that context, Chelsea’s trip to Villa Park is no mere formality; the Blues will have to grind out a win amid difficult circumstances.

Returning stars should provide Tuchel with adequate depth heading into the game. The German was forced to name just six substitutes for the previous league game against Wolves—two of which were reserve goalkeepers and only one attacker. Nonetheless, for the first time in almost two months, Chelsea could field its first-choice midfield while having extra attackers on the bench always helps. That little bit of extra quality should provide the Blues an edge over their opponents.

Score Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea

Next. How good has Mason Mount been this season for Chelsea?. dark

What is your score prediction for the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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