Chelsea vs Aston Villa Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea get back to Premier League action on Sunday as they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues head into the game after seeing off Leeds United 5-1 in the quarter final of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday which came just days after missing out on the World Club Cup in Japan following a 1-0 loss to Corinthians on Sunday.

Rafa Benitez will be keen to get Chelsea’s Premier League campaign back on track after only winning one of their last seven league outings, so will need to find some form if they are to retain their place in the top-four.

Villa arrive at the Bridge off the back of last weeks shock 3-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, proving they are more than capable of causing an upset this weekend. Paul Lambert endured a tough start to life at Villa Park but his youngsters have found some form of late and are now unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.

Team News

Chelsea are able to welcome back defender Gary Cahill who has served his one-match ban after being sent off against Corinthians last weekend, but Benitez may opt to stick with Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz at the heart of his defence.

Captain John Terry is still on the sidelines with a knee injury while John Obi Mikel continues to serve his three-match ban. Ramires returns after serving his own ban but Daniel Sturridge continues to miss out due to a hamstring strain.

Villa have midfielder Stephen Ireland back after he missed last weeks win over Liverpool through illness. Captain Ron Vlaar and striker Gabriel Agbonlahor are both likely to miss out while Darren Bent is definitely missing with a hamstring problem.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Despite Villa’s impressive win last weekend, they’ve been poor for much of the season and have a disappointing record at Stamford Bridge – winning just once in their last 10 visits.  Rafa Benitez has an excellent record against the Villains and i can see him continuing that this Sunday. Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa.

What would your line up be and what’s your score prediction for the game? Get involved in the comments section below.