Chelsea vs Aston Villa Match Preview, Starting Xl And Team News #CHEAVL

Chelsea will be desperate to quickly recover from their chastening defeat at Arsenal when they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge for today’s Premier League showdown.

The games continue to come thick and fast in the Premier League as Chelsea will be in action just 48 hours after being demolished in a London derby as they gear up to host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in Matchweek 16 of the 2020/21 Premier League.

The Blues were simply outclassed by an Arsenal side languishing in the bottom half of the table, with Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka all on target while Tammy Abraham netted a late consolation for Chelsea.

Despite Villa arriving at Stamford Bridge with form in their sails, Lampard is certain to make changes to his starting line-up after he was left furious with his side’s performance against the Gunners.

Although the starting line-up will not be confirmed until an hour before kick-off, the Chelsea chief has already confirmed that Callum Hudson-Odoi will start against Dean Smith’s side.

Frank Lampard’s men missed the chance to go second with that defeat to their London rivals, but on the other hand, Aston Villa eased to a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace despite playing the entire second half with 10 men.

They are currently eighth in the table, seven points off of leaders Liverpool. And Frank Lampard will be hoping that his team produce a strong reaction and cut that gap with a win today.

The Blues are unbeaten at home in their last six matches.The last three EPL fixtures involving Chelsea have seen three or more goals.In the last five matches for Chelsea, three of those games ended with both teams scoring.

Aston Villa have taken ten points from their last five EPL fixtures (both home and away) and are unbeaten in their last four outings.

Scoring away from home isn’t a problem for Villa. They’ve scored in their last six away fixtures.

How Chelsea could line up against Aston Villa:

Lampard will choose his 4-3-3 formation.

Frank Lampard is expected to make changes to his side for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Though Saturday’s result will have hurt Lampard, his players and the supporters, Chelsea will be grateful of the opportunity to quickly get themselves back on track against Villa, who will arrive in west London unbeaten in their last four matches without conceding a goal.

With the visit of Villa, who defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 on Boxing Day, acting as the Blues’ second match in the space of just 48 hours, Lampard is likely to rotate his pack, with the fixtures continuing to come thick and fast at this time of year.

Chelsea have no injury concerns heading into the game apart from playmaker Hakim Ziyech. The Moroccan international remains a doubt for the fixture with a thigh problem.

Given that they will be playing their second game in 48 hours, Lampard is likely to make a few changes to the team that started against Arsenal on Saturday.

Defense

Reece James and Ben Chilwell both passed late fitness tests to start at the Emirates, but Cesar Azpilicueta and Emerson Palmieri may be called upon for this one as Lampard hopes to avoid any more injury problems for his two first-choice left-backs.

Edouard Mendy will be between the sticks today. The Senegalese born stopper conceded 3 goals in his last outing, but if fit, his quality will surely be needed come Monday night.

Lampard, so far this season, has refrained from using Thiago Silva in games when there is little recovery time. And there is a good chance that the Brazilian will not be involved on Monday, with Antonio Rudiger partnering Kurt Zouma at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Midfield

N’Golo Kante is expected to keep his spot in midfield, while Kai Havertz could potentially replace Mason Mount in Lampard’s engine room. Jorginho missed a late penalty against the Gunners, but the Italian is also a possible starter given the quick turnaround in fixtures.

Attack

Olivier Giroud was left on the bench against his former club but could feature from the off here if Tammy Abraham is granted a rest, with the 34-year-old hoping to rediscover his goalscoring touch as soon as possible.

Timo Werner had a disappointing game on Saturday and should sit this one out with Callum Hudson-Odoi replacing him in the lineup. Christian Pulisic is also likely to be given a breather given his injury history, meaning Kai Havertz could be in line for a start on the flanks. Olivier Giroud is expected to replace Tammy Abraham as the striker.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3):

Edouard Mendy;

Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Ben Chilwell;

N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz;

Olivier Giroud, Callum Hudson-Odoi.

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