The Matchday 26 Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Chelsea will take place on February 22 at Villa Park in Birmingham. Aston Villa vs. Chelsea: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery's side has not tasted victory in their last five league matches. However, during this run, the team has drawn four times and suffered only one defeat – away to Wolverhampton (0-2). Interestingly, after this unexpected loss, the Birmingham side surprisingly drew at home against Ipswich (1-1), and on Wednesday, they shared the spoils at Villa Park with Liverpool (2-2). The club is currently in ninth place, four points adrift of the European competition spots.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Aston Villa's last 8 Premier League games.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 9 of the club's last 12 Premier League matches.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final scoreline in 6 of Aston Villa's last 8 home league matches.
Predicted lineup for Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Emiliano Martinez – Lucas Digne, Axel Disasi, Tyrone Mings, Andres Garcia – John McGinn, Youri Tielemans – Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio – Ollie Watkins.
Defender Pau Torres is sidelined due to injury. Defender Axel Disasi will not play due to loan agreement terms.
Chelsea
In the previous round, the Londoners suffered a 0-3 away defeat to Brighton. This was their first heavy loss in the league since April last year and their second consecutive away defeat in the Premier League (they previously lost to Manchester City 1-3). Between these defeats, Chelsea managed to beat West Ham at home (2-1). Enzo Maresca's men have slipped to sixth place in the standings but are only one point away from the Champions League zone.
- In their last nine Premier League matches, the club has only secured two victories (3 draws and 4 losses).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Chelsea's last 6 Premier League games.
- The Londoners have not scored in the second half of their last five away league matches.
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Filip Jorgensen – Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto – Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo – Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke – Christopher Nkunku.
Due to injuries, forwards Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Marc Guiu, midfielders Omari Kellyman and Romeo Lavia, as well as defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, are unavailable. Forward Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve a suspension due to a failed doping test.
Referee
Michael Oliver (England)
Matches – 19 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 92;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 5%.
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea: Match Prediction
Both teams are far from their optimal form, struggling to secure wins and consistently dropping valuable points, which has impacted their league standings. The Birmingham side nearly defeated Liverpool in their last league match, and such games boost players' confidence. Therefore, Unai Emery's men are likely to finally end their winless streak in the Premier League.
Aston Villa is unbeaten at home in the Premier League for 13 matches (6 wins and 7 draws). Meanwhile, Chelsea has failed to win away in their last five Premier League matches (2 draws and 3 losses). Additionally, it's worth noting that the Londoners are missing several attacking players for various reasons, which will affect this encounter. After all, the Birmingham side ranks fourth in home performance this season, having only lost to Arsenal at Villa Park in the first round.
My prediction – Aston Villa Win
Everton
Manchester United
Bournemouth
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arsenal
West Ham United
Fulham
Crystal Palace
Ipswich
Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton
Brighton and Hove Albion
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Manchester City
Liverpool
