Insight and Analysis: Aston Villa vs Chelsea Premier League 2021 Match Prediction
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Premier League 2021 Match Prediction, Injuries/Suspension, Match Facts, Team News, Preview and Where to Watch.
Steven Gerrard continues to have an impact at Aston Villa.As his side beat Norwich 2-0 last time out to make it four (PL) wins in his six games in charge.
However, Gerrard faces a considerably tougher test in the form of European winners Chelsea.
A team he faced more than any other during his playing career (W11, D11, L18).
Aston Villa’s home form has been one of their biggest problems this season.
And it’s partly due to their tendency to start slowly.
This season, Villa has only scored one goal in the first half of a Premier League game at home.
However, they have already conceded four goals, three of which came before the 15th minute.
All of this shows that if Villa is to live up to their pre-season expectations of being a European contender.
Then there’s the matter of Gerrard’s lethargic starts.
Chelsea struggled to a 0-0 draw with a weakened lineup after seeking the Premier League for a postponement.Just hours before their previous game against Wolves.
They have now drawn back-to-back league games, putting their title chances in jeopardy.
Chelsea hasn’t drawn three consecutive league games since 2012, so expect a comeback.
Under Thomas Tuchel, they have never gone three games without a win in the Premier League.
Chelsea also wants to avoid losing back-to-back league games at Villa Park for the first time since 2003/04.Following their 2-1 loss here last season.
The ‘Blues’ are favorites for a reason, and they will be difficult to beat.With an 88 percent unblemished record as pre-match favorites in Premier League away games (W6, D1, L1).
Norwich vs Arsenal Premier League 2021 Match PredictionPlayers to keep an eye on:
Ollie Watkins scored Villa’s first goal under Steven Gerrard.
And he has played a part in four of Gerrard’s six games (G3, A1).
Reece James, Chelsea’s marauding full-back, is having his best scoring season ever.
With five goals, three of which have put Chelsea 2-0 up.
Hot Stat
Chelsea has won all five previous Boxing Day meetings (W3, D2).
Team News
Aston Villa
One or two positive COVID-19 instances are still plaguing Aston Villa, but it’s unclear who is unavailable on that front.
Ashley Young had a chance to play against Burnley last weekend before it was postponed, but he should be fit for Boxing Day.
Chelsea
In a boost for Thomas Tuchel,Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi are back and will be in the matchday squad against Aston Villa. Andreas Christensen has also returned to the gym.
Both Jorginho and Trevoh Chalobah were fit to play in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory over Brentford on Wednesday night.
For the away team, there are still doubts about Kai Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, and Ben Chilwell.
Factors to Consider
Over 2.5 goals have been scored in six of Aston Villa’s previous seven home encounters against Chelsea in all competitions.
Over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of Aston Villa’s previous six home games (Premier League).
Chelsea has won 11 of their past 12 games without conceding a goal (Premier League).
In all competitions, Chelsea has won 9 of their last 10 games against Aston Villa.
Prediction
The only thing missing from Steven Gerrard’s first few months in charge of Aston Villa is a win over one of the big clubs.
They’ve come close to beating Manchester City and Liverpool in that regard.And now he’ll face another old foe in Chelsea.
Since thumping Juventus 4-0 in the Champions League at the end of November, Chelsea has gone cold.
Since then, they’ve only won three of their last eight games in all competitions.
With Thomas Tuchel criticizing the decision to continue playing while his team deals with injuries and COVID.
Where to Watch
CANAL+ Sport (Fra), CANAL+ Sport (Pol), COSMOTE Sport, Cytavision Sports, DAZN Japan, Diema Sport 2, Premier Sport 1 (Cze), RMC Sport, Setanta Sports Eurasia, Setanta Sports (Ukr), Sky Sports Main Event (UK/Irl), Sky Sports Premier League (UK/Irl), Spiler1 TV, SportKlub (BiH), SportKlub (Cro), SportKlub (Mac), SportKlub (Mon), SportKlub (Ser), SportKlub (Slo), Sport TV (Por), S Sport, Viaplay (Den), Viaplay (Fin), Viaplay (Swe), V Sport Jalkapallo, V Sport Premium (Fin), V Sport Premium (Swe), Xee (Den), Ziggo Kanaal 14, Ziggo Sport Select
