Chelsea look to end their three match winless run in all competitions as they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will stay fourth no matter what result they get but Villa could move further away from the relegation zone with victory.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesTammy Abraham is doubtful for Chelsea after missing Saturday’s home defeat against West Ham with a hip injury.
Ross Barkley is ruled out through illness and joins Antonio Rudiger (groin), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles) plus Marco van Ginkel (knee) on sidelines.
Villa will be without Frederic Guilbert through suspension after picking up his fifth booking at Manchester United on Sunday.
Jota (groin) and Keinan Davis (thigh) are ruled out alongside Jed Steer (Achilles) and Anwar El Ghazi (knee).
Stat Attack
- Chelsea have won their last four meetings with Aston Villa whilst conceding just once, since suffering a 1-0 defeat in March 2014.
- At home, the Blues have lost just one of their last 14 league meetings against Villa (W10, D3, L1).
- No Aston Villa player is yet to score a headed league goal this season.
Prediction
Abraham was a huge loss for Chelsea at the weekend because they looked quite flat in his absence, which might suit Villa if they can make the better start and control this game.
Chelsea however have been a difficult team at home for Villa to beat since 2002 so I am expecting to see a scrappy game, but Villa has the momentum since returning from the international break which I think will provide them with the confidence to produce a shock.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa
Result: Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa
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