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

Chelsea can move three points clear at the top of the table as they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

The fixture has been rearranged due to the Blues participation in the European Super Cup, so Jose Mourinho’s men have the chance to put some early pressure on their title rivals by making it two wins from two games.

Chelsea strolled to an opening weekend win over newly promoted Hull City on Sunday, with goals from Oscar and Frank Lampard ensuring it was a happy home-coming for Mourinho.

The west Londoners are one of the early favourites for the Premier League title and are odds on with the bookies to see-off Villa tonight. But Paul Lambert’s men will arrive at the Bridge full of confidence following their impressive 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday at the Emirates.

Lambert will be hoping his side do a lot better against Chelsea this time around having been humiliated 8-0 in this fixture last season.

Team News

Jose Mourinho has no fresh injury worries to contend with following the weekends action. The Portuguese coach confirmed at his press conference on Tuesday that his only absentees are defenders David Luiz and Tomas Kalas.

Brazil centre-back Luiz has been suffering with a hamstring problem but is back in training and could be fit to face Manchester United on Monday. Kalas picked up a fractured leg in pre-season and will be on the sidelines for several weeks.

Mourinho could freshen things up with one eye on Monday’s clash with the champions at Old Trafford, with the likes of Andre Schurrle, Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata and Michael Essien all pushing for starts. Veteran Frank Lampard could be rested as Mourinho’s previously admitted he couldn’t play twice a week anymore.

Aston Villa will be without defender Nathan Baker for the game after he picked up an ankle injury at the Emirates. His replacement on the day was Ciaran Clarke and he’s expected to deputise once again.

Midfielder Yacouba Sylla is back in contention after recovering from an ankle problem, but Chris Herd remains out with a calf strain.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa: The Blues will have too much for Lambert’s young side.

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