Verdict: Morgan Rogers over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Looking to collect another heavyweight scalp and extend on their record-breaking run of form, Aston Villa will travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening when they meet Chelsea.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have mounted a dramatic second-half comeback away at Newcastle last weekend as they eventually left St. James’ Park with a 2-2 stalemate, the Blues have shown some real inconsistencies over the past month. Getting December underway with a shock 3-1 defeat against relegation scrappers Leeds, it has been suggested that Enzo Maresca has some increasing pressure on his shoulders in west London. Despite punching their EFL Cup semi-final ticket thanks to a 3-1 win away at League One outfit Cardiff earlier in the month, Chelsea have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Likewise, falling to a 2-1 defeat when they travelled to the Midlands for their most recent showdown against Aston Villa back in February, the former Leicester boss will be bracing himself for another stern examination this weekend.
Chelsea Team News
Yet to make a single appearance this season after sustaining a long-term knee injury over the summer, England international Levi Colwill remains on the sidelines. Struggling to find his feet after completing a permanent summer switch from Ipswich, Liam Delap is still dealing with a recent shoulder issue and will not play any part on Saturday evening.
Recording a first Premier League strike since returning from November’s international break against Newcastle last weekend, ex-Brighton striker Joao Pedro will lead the line here. Settling for a spot on the bench at St. James’ Park, Enzo Fernandez should be handed a full recall.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, while Aston Villa might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign in the midst of a sluggish run, Unai Emery’s red-hot squad have come roaring back in an astonishing fashion. Last seen securing a 2-1 victory at home against Manchester United, the former PSG boss has seen his side shatter a string of records on either side of November’s international break. Snatching a famous last-gasp 2-1 win against leading title contenders Arsenal earlier in the month, Saturday’s guests have remarkably won all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions. Almost universally regarded as a standout Europa League favourite, Emery’s men have also gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Landing that 2-1 victory when they last met Chelsea back in February, Villa should be relishing a festive trip to the capital this weekend.
Aston Villa Team News
Both still dealing with respective muscle issues, Aston Villa will once again be without the defensive duo of Tyrone Minas and former Villarreal star Pau Torres this weekend. However, missing out against his parent club last week, Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho should return to Emery’s travelling squad.
Recording back-to-back Premier League braces over the past fortnight, England international Morgan Rogers will certainly play a leading role in the final third. Once again settling for a spot on the bench last week, Argentinian ace Emi Buendia could be handed a full recall at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa Key Factors to Consider
- When Chelsea and Aston Villa last met for a Premier League showdown back in February, Emery’s men collected a 2-1 victory in the Midlands.
- Aston Villa have remarkably won all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Chelsea have won just a pair of their previous seven matchups across all formats.
- England international Morgan Rogers has recorded back-to-back Premier League braces over the past fortnight.
- Along with each of their previous five consecutive appearances, seven of Villa’s last eight showdowns have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Landing a 2-1 victory against Manchester United last week and now winning all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions, Aston Villa will be desperate to secure another heavyweight domestic scalp here. Breaking a string of records on either side of November’s international break, Emery’s high-flying squad also secured a 2-1 victory when they last met Chelsea back in February. Gaining a reputation for their frantic affairs, don’t be surprised to see a festive thriller from Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Verdict: Morgan Rogers over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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