Chelsea Football Club are poised to host Aston Villa on Sunday, seeking a third consecutive victory across all competitions. Following a promising run that includes wins against Leicester City and Heidenheim, the London club has extended their unbeaten streak to five matches, a statistic that enhances their confidence ahead of this Premier League clash (90min).
Manager Enzo Maresca's team is acutely aware of the competitive landscape, particularly with top rivals Liverpool and Manchester City facing each other later in the day. This context provides Chelsea with an opportunity to capitalise on any potential dropped points from their rivals and solidify their position in the league standings.
In contrast, Aston Villa's recent form has raised concerns, as they have failed to secure victory in their last seven outings. Although draws against Crystal Palace and Juventus offered some respite after a disappointing four-match losing streak, Unai Emery's side will arrive at Stamford Bridge eager to reclaim their early-season momentum. Historically, Villa have performed well at this venue, registering three clean sheets and two victories in their last three visits to Stamford Bridge.
Recent Form Snapshot:
Chelsea's Last Fixtures:
- Heidenheim 0-2 Chelsea (28/11/24)
- Leicester City 1-2 Chelsea (23/11/24)
- Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal (10/11/24)
- Chelsea 8-0 Noah (07/11/24)
- Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (03/11/24)
Aston Villa's Last Fixtures:
- Aston Villa 0-0 Juventus (27/11/24)
- Aston Villa 2-2 Crystal Palace (23/11/24)
- Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa (09/11/24)
- Club Brugge 1-0 Aston Villa (06/11/24)
- Tottenham 4-1 Aston Villa (03/11/24)
UK viewers can follow the match on Sky Sports and various streaming platforms, while fans in the US can tune in via fuboTV and NBC Sports.
In terms of injuries, Chelsea's squad is relatively healthy, facing only minor concerns. Right-back Reece James is set to miss the remainder of the year due to a hamstring injury. However, Malo Gusto is expected to return after a two-match absence, alongside Pedro Neto, who is recovering from a knock sustained during international duty.
After making extensive rotations during the midweek fixture against Hoffenheim, Maresca is likely to deploy a consistent lineup from their recent victory against Leicester, anticipated to take shape in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Robert Sanchez will be in goal, backed by Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella in defence. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will anchor the midfield, while Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and João Félix will support striker Nicolas Jackson.
Aston Villa are likewise seeking a crucial turning point following their recent struggles, though they will be without Jacob Ramsey for this match. Amadou Onana remains under evaluation but could play a role. Ezri Konsa is expected to return to the starting lineup after being on the bench against Juventus, replacing Diego Carlos in defence.
Morgan Rogers has emerged as a consistent threat, finding the net in two of his last three Premier League away matches, and he will pose a challenge to Chelsea's defence. Ollie Watkins, who boasts a solid scoring record at Stamford Bridge, netted his first goal for Villa since mid-October against Crystal Palace.
Villa are likely to adopt a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Emiliano Martínez in goal. Their strong midfield, featuring Leon Bailey, Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, and John McGinn, will look to support the attacking efforts led by Rogers and Watkins.
Historically, Aston Villa have effectively utilised tactical organisation to gain an upper hand over Chelsea. However, with Chelsea now finding their rhythm and buoyed by recent performances, the upcoming match represents a vital test for both clubs. The Blues will seek to exploit Villa's defensive vulnerabilities while looking to their impactful players like Jackson and Palmer to secure a crucial victory on Sunday.