Overview
Chelsea have been in relatively good form recently, winning 3 and drawing 2 of their last 5 matches. The Blues' large squad has helped coach Enzo Maresca be flexible in rotating and keeping key players fit. Therefore, they are capable of maintaining good form in all competitions.
In contrast to Chelsea, squad depth is Aston Villa's weakness. Coach Unai Emery's team started the season impressively but gradually declined as the schedule became more crowded.
The decline in fitness or injuries of key players has prevented Aston Villa from maintaining their good form from the beginning of the season. The draw with Juventus was Aston Villa's 7th consecutive winless match in all competitions, including 4 losses.
Traveling to Chelsea's Stamford Bridge at this time is an extremely difficult challenge for Aston Villa. Especially when Chelsea is in very good form at home. Since losing to Man City on the opening day of the Premier League, The Blues are on a 9-match unbeaten streak when playing at their home ground, including 6 wins.
Since 1998, Chelsea and Aston Villa have faced each other a total of 60 times in all competitions. During this time, Chelsea have won 31 times, scoring 104 goals, an average of 1.7 goals per game. Aston Villa have won 14 times, scoring 55 goals, an average of 0.9 goals per game. The two teams have drawn 15 times.
In the last 3 matches, Chelsea are unbeaten against Aston Villa (1 win, 2 draws).
Human resources situation
Maresca are almost certain to return to full strength after fielding a reserve side in the Europa Conference League. Both Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto could return after missing the 2-1 win over Leicester.
On the other side of the front line, Aston Villa will once again be without the services of Amadou Onana and Jacob Ramsey due to injury. However, Ezri Konsa could return to the squad after being left out of the midweek match against Juventus.
Expected lineup:
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucarella, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, Bailey, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins.
The match between Chelsea and Aston Villa takes place at 20:30 on December 1 (Vietnam time).
