It is a quick turnaround for Aston Villa as they welcome Chelsea to Villa Park in Saturday’s late kick-off.
Unai Emery’s side drew 2-2 with Liverpool on Wednesday evening, a result which has given Arsenal extra hope of making positive ground in the title race.
Both of these teams have been struggling for form in the Premier League of late as they try and hunt down a place in the Top 4.
Below is a full match preview from NetBet, complete with the latest Premier League odds for sports betting.
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Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Saturday, February 22, 5.30pm
Villa Park, Birmingham
Live on Sky Sports
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Preview
While Villa’s draw with Liverpool was an admirable result, particularly in the face of an ongoing injury crisis, their recent run is still cause for concern.
Emery’s side are five without a win in the top flight and have dropped to 9th in the table, five points behind Manchester City in 4th.
And after a busy January transfer window which included the arrivals of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen, the onus is on Villa to turn things around quickly.
Sixth-placed Chelsea could be the perfect opponent for them to face in order to make a positive statement, with the Blues still reeling from back-to-back defeats against Brighton.
Last Friday’s 3-0 loss at the Amex was perhaps their worst performance of the season and the defensive issues on show will only serve to boost the confidence of Villa’s star-studded attack.
Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Rashford and Asensio charging at Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella, who were each dreadful on the South Coast? Yeah, it could get messy for Enzo Maresca’s side.
But Cole Palmer should fancy his chances of exploiting Villa’s high defensive line, as he and the rest of the team did in the 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge back in December.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Chelsea surprisingly open as slight favourites for the win at odds of 2.49. A Villa victory is priced at 2.56, while the draw is 3.67.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Tips
Ollie Watkins to score anytime @ 2.45
Watkins scored Villa’s second goal in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool and is always a threat in the final third. The England international has not been at his best throughout the season, but has still netted 12 times in the Premier League – evidence of his undeniable quality!
Aston Villa to be winning at half-time and full-time @ 3.35
Villa do not hold back with regard to attacking when playing at home and Chelsea’s defence may struggle to handle the heat. If the hosts score early, it could be a long night for Maresca’s team.
First half goals – Over 1.5 @ 2.15
Chelsea found themselves 2-0 down at half-time against Brighton last Friday and it would not be surprising to see this match unfold in a similar manner. Of course, with the likes of Palmer in the team, the Blues will also be a goal threat themselves in the opening 45.
Aston Villa Team News
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Martinez, Cash, Bogarde, Mings, Digne, Asensio, Tielemans, McGinn, Rashford, Rogers, Watkins
Injuries/Doubts: Konsa, Torres, Kamara, Onana, Bailey, Barkley
Suspensions: Disasi (ineligible to face parent club)
Chelsea Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen, James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Nkunku
Injuries/Doubts: Jackson, Guiu, Fofana, Lavia, Madueke, Badiashille, Gusto, Kellyman
Suspensions: Mudryk
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