Chelsea vs Aston Villa Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Chelsea vs Aston Villa taking place? Chelsea vs Aston Villa will take place on Saturday 11th September, 2021 at 17:30 (UK)
Where is Chelsea vs Aston Villa taking place? Chelsea vs Aston Villa will take place at Stamford Bridge in London
Where can I get tickets for Chelsea vs Aston Villa? Ticket information for Chelsea vs Aston Villa can be found on each club’s official website
What TV channel is Chelsea vs Aston Villa on in the UK? Chelsea vs Aston Villa will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Chelsea vs Aston Villa in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Chelsea vs Aston Villa live via Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
CHELSEA
- Chelsea are renowned for their defensive steel under head coach Thomas Tuchel, which came to the fore last time out as they held out for a 1-1 draw against Liverpool despite playing the majority of the match with ten-men after Reece James was sent off for a handball on the goal line, that led to the Reds drawing level from the penalty spot.
- Right-back James will miss out here through suspension, which could lead to another starting birth for Trevor Chalobah at Stamford Bridge, while midfielder N’Golo Kante. Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku though, are available for selection.
ASTON VILLA
- Aston Villa have had a mixed start to this season’s Premier League, with one loss, one win and one draw to their name, although a trip to Stamford Bridge represents a daunting prospect, particularly without the services of their first-choice keeper.
- Jed Steer is expected to feature in goal for Dean Smith’s side as Argentinian Emiliano Martinez is isolating following his trip to Brazil and he alongside international teammate Emiliano Buendia are unavailable for this game althoughand winger Leon Bailey is fully fit to feature.
THE TEAM NEWS
CHELSEA
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku
UNAVAILABLE: James (Suspended), Kante (Injured), Pulisic (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Thiago Silva (FIFA Regulations)
ASTON VILLA
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Steer; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey; El Ghazi, Ings, Bailey
UNAVAILABLE: Buendia (Isolating), Davis (Injured), Martinez (Isolating), Trezeguet (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Konsa (Injured), Sanson (Fitness), Chukwuemeka (Injured), Philogene-Bidace (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
European champions Chelsea have shown in their opening three league games this season that they are serious contenders for the 2021-22 Premier League title, with the signing of Lukaku the missing piece of the puzzle. The Blues have so far combined defensive stability with attacking potency to good effect and even if Lukaku’s groin problem sees him miss out against Aston Villa, Chelsea have more than enough class going forward particularly within their midfield to see off the visitors, who are expected to miss first-choice keeper Martinez badly in this one.
Tip: CHELSEA TO WIN
