Aston Villa host Chelsea this weekend in what could be, a very good game. Jose Mourinho’s mind games appear as though they are working, first in the League and have a 7 point lead from second placed Liverpool. However, historically Chelsea under Jose Mourinho has struggled to beat Villa at Villa Park. I still remember Villa’s 2-0 win back in 2007, interesingly enough some believe Mourinho was sacked because of that defeat. Even more recently, Aston Villa did beat 2-1 back in 2009 when Ancelotti was boss.
Aston Villa aren’t short of confidence either, Villa have had a two week break due to Man. Cities involvement in the FA Cup and Ason Villa did beat Norwich prior to this game. Chelsea on the other hand have a very important Champions League game against Galatasaray so it’ll be interesting to see whether or not Mourinho will rest some key players.
Additionally, Paul Lambert will have to alter his side. Left-back Ryan Bertrand who is ineligible against his parent side. So Lambert will either call on Luna or Bennett, but it appears more likely that Lambert will play with a back 5 with Clark returning to the side. Meanwhile, Gary Cahill could play against his former side. Cahill made 28 appearances for Aston Villa from 2004-2008 scoring 2 goals, he was solid to Bolton Wanderers.
Team News:
Apart from Bertrand being unavailable, Paul Lambert will have no fresh injury concerns. Okore and N’Zogbia remain long-term causalities
Fernando Torres’s groin injury isn’t as serious as first expected and could feature against Aston Villa. Defenders David Luiz (groin) and Ashley Cole (knee) remain out.
Match Facts:
Aston Villa have not won back to back Barclays Premier League home matches since August 2011.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six Barclays Premier League away games, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just two goals (W4 D2).
Aston Villa have won just one of the last eight Premier League matches against Chelsea, losing the last four in a row.
Frank Lampard has scored more goals versus Aston Villa than against any other opponent in Premier League history (13).Chelsea have come from behind to win 14 points this season, more than any other Premier League team.
Aston Villa have come from behind to win 13 points this season, second only to Chelsea.
Predicted Lineups:
Guzan
Bacuna-Vlaar-Baker-Clark-Bennett
El Ahmadi-Westwood-Delph
Agbonlahor-Benteke
Eto’o
Schurrle-Oscar-Hazard
Matic-Lampard
Azpilicueta-Cahill-Terry-Ivanovic
Cech
Match Prediction:
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
As many are predicting, this will be a very close and difficult game for Chelsea. Aston Villa have usually turned up against the big teams, it’s the against the small teams where we see Aston Villa under-performing. Still, I think the Chelsea squad is slowly tiring and will find it very difficult to break through our defence. Still I know that Lampard will score against us again… meanwhile I expect Agbonlahor to get on the score sheet.