Aston Villa vs Chelsea - Match Preview
With one eye on Europa League final, Chelsea would like to seal the Champions League spot
As we enter the penultimate round of the English Premier League, Aston Villa are set to lock horns with Chelsea in what promises to be a goal-fest at Villa Park. Chelsea delivered a master-class the last time these two teams met at Stamford Bridge, thumping 8 goals past the hapless Villa defence.
Having secured Premier League status for the next season, Aston Villa will go into the match with a lot more confidence and will look to take the game to the visitors. Chelsea on the other hand, need just a solitary point to qualify for next season’s Champions League, will have one eye on the finals of the Europa League and are likely to rest a few of their key players for Saturday’s encounter.
Team News:
Aston Villa - Paul Lambert’s men are on the back of two successive wins in the league, including a 6-1 demolition of Sunderland at Villa Park. Villa have been unlucky with injuries throughout the season, but this time around the manager has a fully fit squad to pick from including their versatile forward, Gabriel Agbonlahor who has peaked at the right time and played an integral part in Villa’s bid for safety.
Christian Benteke, who has been the driving force behind the Midlands outfit all throughout the season, will partner Andreas Weimann in attack and would look to continue his goal-scoring touch at home.
Chelsea - Chelsea have been on a scintillating run lately, and are unbeaten in their last 5 league games, winning three and drawing two, their latest being the 2-2 draw at home against Tottenham on Wednesday night.
The Blues have played huge number of games this season, probably more than any other team in the league and Rafa Benitez will look to continue with his rotation policy in a bid to keep the squad fresh for the Europa League final against Benfica next week.
Eden Hazard, who played against Tottenham despite a knock is likely to be rested with Moses being his replacement. John Obi Mikel is likely to recover from his hand injury and partner Frank Lampard in midfield. Demba Ba might get the nod over Fernando Torres, as the Blues look to secure their Champions League qualification.
Head To Head : Last Five Games
Competition Date Result
EPL 02-01-11 Chelsea FC 3-3 Aston Villa
Friendly 30-07-11 Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea FC
EPL 31-12-11 Chelsea FC 1-3 Aston Villa
EPL 31-03-12 Aston Villa 2-4 Chelsea FC
EPL 23-12-12 Chelsea FC 8-0 Aston Villa
Current Form : Last Five Games
Aston Villa : W – D – L – W – W
Chelsea FC : W – D – W – W – D