Chelsea welcomes Midlands outfit Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge in a Matchday Four encounter in the Premier League.
The Blues will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign to four games, having won two games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal and drawing one against Liverpool at Anfield.
While Villa will be keen to earn only their second win of the season, after losing their opener to Watford and going unbeaten in the next two fixtures.
Manager Thomas Tuchel received praise for their displays against Liverpool, despite playing with 10 men for an entire half, but they are expected to get one over the Villans – even though it may not be easy.
Tuchel had previously lost to Dean Smith and his Villa side in the final game of the previous season in what was a surprise result. There was no damage in the end as the Blues finished in the Top Four and still managed to win the UEFA Champions League title.
ABSENTEES:
Chelsea will be without several members of their squad for the clash against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. Defender Reece James is suspended for the Blues after getting sent off against Liverpool last time out.
Attacker Christian Pulisic picked up an ankle problem while on international duty with the USA, the availability of Brazilian defender Thiago Silva remains unknown as talks continue between all the relevant parties.
Frenchman N’Golo Kante is also out for the Blues on Saturday, but record signing Romelu Lukaku is fit for Chelsea.
As for Aston Villa, they will be without the Argentine pair of Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia for the clash in West London. However, manager Dean Smith confirmed some players will be back for the clash.
He revealed that: “We should be welcoming Ollie Watkins back. “We’ve also got Leon Bailey back to full fitness now. Bertrand Traore has trained the last couple of days as well.
John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey have recovered from their Covid-19 situations too.”
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CONCLUSION:
Chelsea are the favourites heading into the encounter and have shown they are genuine title contenders this season. The quality in the squad should see them through.
Despite the absence of some notable members, Lukaku being fit should put the Blues on their way to three points and it’ll be a surprise if the Belgian doesn’t find the back of the net.
Villa won’t be a stroll in the park as they boast of decent quality players in their squad. They are also unbeaten in their last two games which could serve as a form of confidence boost ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge.
Nairasport’s prediction for Chelsea vs Aston Villa 3-1 correct score