Chelsea will host Aston Villa at the Stamford Bridge, as Frank Lampard’s Blues will look to bounce back after falling to West Ham United in what was a shocking defeat in their last game at the Bridge. The defeat was Chelsea’s second in a row after the one against Manchester City, and a loss to Aston Villa could see Frank Lampard’s side lose three consecutive top-flight games for the first time since November 2015.
Aston Villa have amassed four points from their last two games which involves a win over Newcastle United and 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday. Their confidence level will be high going and to this game knowing that a win will take them to 10th on the table.
When & Where?
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Wednesday, 4 December, 2019
Kick-off time: 7:30pm GMT
Chelsea have won their last four Premier League home games against Aston Villa, by an aggregate score of 15-1. They’ve never won five consecutive league games against them at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa have lost eight of their last nine Premier League meetings with Chelsea, with a 1-0 win in March 2014 the exception.
Chelsea have lost just one of their last 55 Premier League home games against promoted sides (W44 D10), against Bournemouth in December 2015. However, the Blues have drawn their last two such games, last going three without a win against promoted clubs at home in the top-flight in August 1991.
Aston Villa have lost their last eight Premier League games in London, conceding at least twice in seven of those matches.
Aston Villa have picked up just one point from their last 39 available in away games against sides starting the day in the top four (W0 D1 L12), with their last such victory coming at Chelsea in December 2011 (3-1).
TEAM NEWS
Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains a long term absentee as he continues to recover from his injury. Tammy Abraham who picked up a hip injury against Valencia could also the game against the Villans after missing Saturday’s game. Ross Barkley and Antonio Rudiger who have been involved in some training could be named on the bench.
For Aston Villa, defender Bjorn Engels could be fit to start against Chelsea after missing the trip to Manchester, while Jota could also be named among the substitutes. Anwar El Ghazi will be Dean Smith’s biggest worry after he picked up a knock in Sunday’s game.
POSSIBLE XI
Chelsea: Kepa, James, Zouma, Tomori, Azplicueta; Jorginho, Kovacic, Kante; Willian, Pulisic, Batshuayi.
Aston Villa: Heaton; Guilbert, Engels, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane; Trezeguet,Grealish,Wesley.
PREDICTION
Chelsea 2:1 Aston Villa
