It is a meeting of two teams who have ambitions of finishing in the top four as Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
There is currently a gap of three points between Chelsea in 3rd and Villa in 8th (and only five points between 2nd and 10th), so any result will see a shuffle in the top half of the Premier League table.
A Chelsea win would see them climb above Manchester City into second, while a Villa win would see them go level on points with the Blues, but that still might not be enough to edge them into the top four depending on other results.
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Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Sunday, December 1, 1.30pm
Stamford Bridge, London
Live on Sky Sports
Chelsea vs Aston Villa Preview
During the summer, it would have been difficult to find many people who would have confidently predicted that Enzo Maresca would have his Chelsea team clicking so soon. The squad was too big and there was a lot to be done in terms of getting it to where the manager wanted, but he has managed to start the season impressively, keeping pace with bonafide title-challengers Arsenal and Manchester City.
Part of Maresca’s early season formula has been deciding on a settled team that he entrusts to play the majority of Premier League games, while a different XI takes care of the UEFA Conference League, meaning the squad has a balance of fresh, match-fit players to contribute.
This has meant key man Cole Palmer – left out of the Conference League squad list completely – has been able to continue his fantastic rise since joining the club last season, earning him recognition as one of the most talented players in the division.
And though things may be looking rosy over in West London, the same cannot be said at present at Villa Park, as Unai Emery’s team have struggled of late. They have quietly gone seven games across three competitions without a win, causing acute concern among the fan base who fear that in this very competitive landscape, a run like this could prove fatal.
Now facing a trip away to a confident Chelsea, it is easy to see how this bad run can be extended, and belief drained from a team that might just be starting to feel the pressure of the expectations they set last season.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Chelsea are favourites to win this one, priced at 1.67. However, a Villa win is at 4.40, while you can get the draw at 4.10.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa Betting Tips
Outcome and Both To Score – Chelsea and Yes @ 2.81
Chelsea have scored 23 goals in the Premier League this season, more than Arsenal and Manchester City, while Villa have a goal difference of 0, having scored 19 and conceded the same. Need we say more?
Anytime Goalscorer – Cole Palmer @ 2.26
It is an obvious tip anytime we cover Chelsea, but he has been their most productive player for over a season now, so it only makes sense to back him to deliver. Plus, he takes penalties and free-kicks. Although, there are opinions starting to form that he does not have as big an effect when playing against the better teams, especially this season.
Corners: Result – Chelsea @ 1.51
With the way Chelsea play and the expectation that they will maintain pressure while playing at home, we think that the way they gain access to their wide players, that will force more corners than Villa.
Chelsea Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Felix, Jackson
Injuries/Doubts: James, Gusto, Neto
Aston Villa Team News
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Barkley, Tielemans, Bailey, Rogers, McGinn, Watkins
Injuries/Doubts: Onana, Ramsey, Hause
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