Chelsea Battle Aston Villa: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Chelsea are looking to disrupt Aston Villa's Premier League championship hopes when these two teams meet at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.
Just one position divides Chelsea in fourth place and Villa in third, though the Birmingham-based club holds a seven-point advantage over their weekend opponents. Unai Emery has orchestrated another remarkable streak as a tenth consecutive win was achieved by defeating Manchester United 2–1 last weekend, leaving the Villans merely three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Chelsea are no longer genuinely contending for the title following a disappointing Premier League spell that has yielded only one win in five matches. A poor opening-half showing in the 2–2 stalemate with Newcastle United last weekend was followed by an impressive second-half display, highlighting inconsistency during games, let alone across different weeks.
The Blues understand they cannot allow their performance levels to slip at any point during their encounter with Villa, who have remained unbeaten in three of their previous four trips to Stamford Bridge. Should both teams perform at their peak, fans should witness an entertaining clash.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of the match in west London.
What Time Does Chelsea vs. Aston Villa Kick-Off?
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Chelsea | Aston Villa |
|---|---|
Newcastle 2–2 Chelsea - 20/12/25 | Aston Villa 2–1 Man Utd - 21/12/25 |
Cardiff 1–3 Chelsea - 16/12/25 | West Ham 2–3 Aston Villa - 14/12/25 |
Chelsea 2–0 Everton - 13/12/25 | Basel 1–2 Aston Villa - 11/12/25 |
Atalanta 2–1 Chelsea - 09/12/25 | Aston Villa 2–1 Arsenal - 06/12/25 |
Bournemouth 0–0 Chelsea - 06/12/25 | Brighton 3–4 Aston Villa - 03/12/25 |
How to Watch Chelsea vs. Aston Villa on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra |
United States | NBC, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, Peacock |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | Not televised |
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea's extensive squad faces several absences going into the weekend, including Brazilian attacker Estêvão who remains questionable. He's been sidelined for fixtures against Cardiff City and Newcastle.
Additionally, Levi Colwill, Dário Essugo and Roméo Lavia are unavailable, though Enzo Maresca hinted that Liam Delap would return against Villa when discussing matters before the Newcastle fixture.
Malo Gutso struggled against Anthony Gordon and Reece James, who netted a spectacular free kick at St James's Park, might return to right-back, creating space for Enzo Fernández to enter midfield.
Mykhailo Mudryk continues under provisional suspension.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
Aston Villa Team News
Jadon Sancho was unable to play against parent club Manchester United previously, but will be eligible against former loan destination Chelsea. Meanwhile, fellow loanee Harvey Elliott is battling illness and is doubtful to participate, as he remains sidelined.
Evann Guessand received a late call-up to the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and is thus unavailable for the journey, while ex-Blues midfielder Ross Barkley is out with injury.
Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are sidelined at center-back, with Ezri Konsa and Victor Lindelöf set to partner in central defense. Ian Maatsen, another former Chelsea player, should start at left-back.
Chelsea must pay special attention to Morgan Rogers, who netted two brilliant goals against United to reach 10 goal contributions in the Premier League this season.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelöf, Maatsen; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa Score Prediction
Chelsea have been an inconsistent presence this campaign, especially at home where they have secured just four wins from eight Premier League matches. Nevertheless, with significant injuries limited, the Blues are positioned to produce a solid showing against Aston Villa.
They have frequently reserved their finest performances for matches against the division's top teams this season and Villa represent the league's in-form side alongside Manchester City.
Emery's team will feel confident against any opponent currently given their momentum and recent results against the league's traditional 'Big Six', but securing victory away at Stamford Bridge remains a difficult proposition and one that might prove too demanding.
Neither team would be devastated with a draw.