Chelsea vs Aston Villa preview

December 30, 2011
By: Frank Beresford

Chelsea are desperate to get back to winning ways after the three-match winless run, but Aston Villa are also looking to show some improvement following some dismal performances of late.

As the club management had done a pretty good job in the transfer window, with Villas-Boas, Meireles, Romeu, Lukaku and Mata all arriving in the summer, the Blues were certainly expected to raise their game from the previous season.

Chelsea indeed started the season in bright fashion, but as soon as the games started coming thick and fast, the Blues began to struggle on all fronts.

The lack of strength in depth proved to be a big problem, especially after Alex and Nicolas Anelka were dropped from the squad, and now the Blues are struggling to remain in contention for the top 4 finish.

After the run of three straight draws acted as a big blow to the players’ confidence, Chelsea to win is unlikely to be one of the most popular football bets this weekend, especially as William Hill pays just 1.30 (3/10) on home win.

Branislav Ivanovic and John Obi Mikel continue to miss out, whereas Jose Bosingwa remains injury doubt.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Cech – Bosingwa, Terry, Luiz, Cole – Ramires, Romeu, Meireles – Sturridge, Drogba, Mata.

Aston Villa are largely underperforming this season, and they are now much closer to the bottom three than the European positions.

The arrival of Alex McLeish was expected to bring some improvement, but that wasn’t really the case, with Villans now experiencing big problems as they try to return to the top half of the standings.

While losing their last three home games, Villa are unbeaten in their last three away matches, and that record gives them reason for optimism before the trip to Stamford Bridge.

However, having scored just 2 goals in last 6 Premier League games, Alex McLeish’s side are unlikely to improve on that record against very good Chelsea side, so odds of 1.85 (17/20) offered on Villa not to score are definitely worth a shot.

The visitors have received a welcoming boost as Darren Bent and Alan Hutton returned from injury and suspension, but Emile Heskey continues to miss out and James Collins is doubtful.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Guzan – Hutton, Dunne, Collins, Warnock – Albrighton, Petrov, Delph, N’Zogbia – Bent, Agbonlahor.

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